The York parks and open spaces which could be set for cash from an almost £750,000 improvement fund have been named.
A total of 19 improvement projects have been put forward including upgrading footpaths, play and games areas and replacing ageing equipment up to three decades old.
Cllr Jenny Kent, environment spokesperson for York Council’s Labour administration, said the spending was part of efforts to make the city’s parks fun, beautiful and welcoming for all.
Liberal Democrat opposition environment spokesperson Cllr Paula Widdowson said there should be no further delay to the improvements but Conservative leader Cllr Chris Steward said York’s villages had missed out.
The selection of the parks which are set to benefit subject to councillors approving the choices follows the creation of a £500,000 fund in the authority’s budget for this year.
Contributions from outside the council have since taken the amount up to almost £750,000.
A council report stated there is the potential for it to reach up to £925,000 if money pledged by developers through Section 106 contributions are included.
Council officers drew up the list of parks and open spaces to improve after an assessment of more than 70 sites and schemes across York.
Parks were scored based on how deprived the area where they are located is, the age of equipment and the potential for improvements to keep or get Green Flag awards.
The possibility of projects being able to attract external funding was also taken into account.
Five parks and open spaces were also recommended for further investigations into improvements.
The proposed improvements:
- Chesney’s Field play area- junior: new equipment, seating, 30m of new linking path.
- Chesney’s Field play area- senior: new safety surfacing.
- Hull Road Park main play area: new equipment, accessible seating.
- Crombie Avenue play area and adjoining games court: near 100 per cent rebuild with new entrances.
- Ashton Avenue play area- junior: play equipment and access improvements.
- Acomb Green play area: replacement steps.
- Rowntree Park play area: replacement of 6m-high pyramid climber.
- Brailsford Crescent play area – junior: complete replacement of old equipment.
- Hull Road Park – main footpath by beck: rebuild of 40m footpath.
- Glen Gardens basketball court: deal with worn out court surface and replace perimeter fence.
- Batchelor Hill- Tenant Road entrance: rebuild steps and install new handrail.
- Cemetery Road play area: replacement of old equipment and landscaping.
- Bell Farm/Byland Avenue open space and play area: create a more coherent space.
- Hull Road Park – Lions Head area: renew bow top fence and new handrails.
- Hull Road Park – Mirfield Avenue boundary: renew perimeter railings and new gate.
- Hull Road Park – Mirfield Avenue footpath: upgrade footpath to improve accessibility.
- Rowntree Park basketball court: new surface and perimeter.
- Viking Road play area: reclad bridge mound, renewal of old play equipment and access improvements.
- Cornlands Road open space and play area: new surfaced footpath across site to link play area.
Improvements recommended for further investigation:
- Clarence Gardens pavilion: internal remodelling to allow community use and refreshments to be provided.
- Hull Road park pavilion: modernisation to expand use.
- Acomb Green- path access: pedestrian ramp onto Green next to bus stop.
- Monkbridge Gardens: rebuild access from Heworth Green and possible extension of tarmac path network.
- Arran Place (King George V Playing Field): new access route to Fossway.
Councillors are set to discuss the shortlist at the Place Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 23 September.
It would then be put to the council’s executive for a decision in October.
The council has pledged to work closely with residents, volunteers and community groups when making the improvements.
Labour environment executive member Cllr Kent said the investment would be a huge boost for York’s parks.
Cllr Kent said: “We are improving our oldest play equipment and creating spaces that bring people of all ages and ability together, whether to sit quietly in nature, meet people, play or exercise.
“We know that our parks and green spaces can be thriving hubs for everyone, if you want to support our efforts please get in touch.”
Opposition Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson and deputy leader Cllr Widdowson said the funding came after pressure from her group on the administration.
The Liberal Democrat said: “Residents in these areas need safe and tidy spaces to enjoy and we would encourage Labour to end their dither and delay and get on with the investment programme.”
Conservative leader Cllr Steward said his group welcomed the investment but they were concerned about the lack of representation of villages beyond the Outer Ring Road in the selection.
Cllr Steward said: “Too often the council forgets the villages and they have to try and make their own provision, when these are residents paying council tax in just the same way and therefore deserving investment in play areas.”
