Progress on City of York Council’s major investment in parks and green spaces
The aim is to encourage more people to spend time outdoors
A report detailing where City of York Council is set to allocate three quarters of a million pounds of investment to revitalise parks, play areas, and public green spaces across the city will be taken to a public meeting for approval next month.
The investment was first announced in February as part of setting the council’s Budget for 2025-26.
It is made up of an initial £750k investment and officers will use future sources of funds to add to this investment, including S106 money taking the programme budget to around £925k.
The parks investment programme prioritises green spaces located within areas of higher deprivation and where there is ageing play equipment and infrastructure and will support the council’s ambition to increase the number of Green Flag parks in York.
The aim is to encourage more people to spend time outdoors, improve accessibility, social inclusion and play.
It's considering the approval of 19 schemes for immediate investment following a detailed assessment with weighted scoring. These projects include various upgrades to parks and play areas, such as Hull Road Park, Chesney’s Field, Crombie Avenue, Acomb Green, Brailsford Crescent, Glen Gardens, and Rowntree Park.
Improvements will range from new play equipment, accessibility enhancements, resurfacing, fencing, and seating enhancements, to significant rebuilds and targeted repairs.
Five additional schemes, including pavilion upgrades and new access routes, will be further investigated for feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, said: “This investment will give our parks a huge boost. Recent reports show a 50 per cent decline in outdoor play over a generation, which is a real loss for children, parents, and our communities.
“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, and we want them to be fun, beautiful and welcoming for all. If you want to support our efforts to make York a vibrant, outdoor City of Play, please get in touch.”
The council encourages local businesses and community groups to get involved through sponsorship, volunteering, or in-kind contributions.
It is also encouraging residents to volunteer in helping build pride in their local parks and play areas, through local ‘Friends of’ groups, community litter picks and other local volunteering activities.