Hundreds of children and families across York are already benefiting from major improvements to parks, play areas and green spaces, with more projects set to be completed over the coming months.
A progress report on the council’s £750,000 Parks Investment Fund will be presented to City of York Council’s Executive on 6 October, showing how investment is helping to create more welcoming, accessible and inclusive outdoor spaces across the city.
Improvements include new and upgraded play equipment, better footpaths, safer entrances, improved accessibility, new seating, basketball court improvements and upgrades to community green spaces.
A major part of the programme has focused on listening to local people and involving children in shaping improvements. More than 1,100 pupils from ten York primary schools, along with around 120 residents, have taken part in consultations to help design new play areas.
Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:
“We're making real progress in improving York’s parks, play areas and green spaces, and it's great to see local families already benefiting.
“We've listened to children, parents and communities to help shape these improvements, creating places that are more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
“This investment is helping us create greener, healthier neighbourhoods and giving more people the opportunity to spend quality time outside.”
Councillor Bob Webb, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
“Parks and play areas play an important role in helping children stay active, build confidence and spend time with friends and family.
“I'm particularly pleased that so many children have helped shape these projects. Their ideas are helping us create fun, welcoming spaces that children of all abilities can enjoy for years to come.”
The council has also carried out a city-wide survey with disabled children and their parents or carers to better understand how play spaces can be made more welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Feedback highlighted the need for more inclusive play equipment, accessible paths and entrances, quiet spaces, secure gates and improved facilities for older disabled children and young people. These findings are now being built into new play area designs.
The report also highlights the success of Hull Road Park, which received its first-ever Green Flag Award this summer. The award recognises high-quality parks that are welcoming, safe and well cared for.
The council is also seeking approval for a new tree planting programme in partnership with White Rose Forest. Around 90 new trees could be planted in and around play areas across the city to increase shade, support wildlife and help children connect with nature.
The Parks Investment Fund has prioritised improvements in areas where investment can make the biggest difference, helping to support community wellbeing, encourage outdoor activity and improve access to quality green spaces.
The report notes that significant progress has been made, with the programme remaining on track for completion by February 2027. It also recommends pausing one scheme at Bachelor Hill while officers review costs and priorities.
The Executive report will be considered when councillors meet on Tuesday 6 October.
Find out more about council meetings at Agenda for Executive on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 4.30 pm
ENDS
Photo caption: Our parks team meeting with school children from Burton Green Primary School earlier this year to share ideas for Ashton Avenue Play Area in Clifton.
- City of York Council’s Executive will consider the Parks Investment Fund progress report on 6 October 2026.
- The Parks Investment Fund was approved in October 2025 to improve parks, play areas and green spaces in communities across York. The programme includes around 20 projects, with work either completed, underway or due to start shortly.
- As well as the council’s £750,000 Parks Investment Fund, Section 106 developer contributions and other funding are helping to boost overall investment in York’s parks and green spaces to around £925,000.
- The programme includes improvements to parks, play areas and green spaces in Acomb, Clifton, Fishergate, Guildhall, Heworth, Hull Road, Micklegate, Rawcliffe, Clifton Without and Westfield wards.
- More than 1,100 pupils from ten York primary schools and around 120 residents have taken part in consultation activities to help shape improvements.
- Around 200 responses were received to a city-wide survey on accessible and inclusive play areas.
- Hull Road Park was awarded its first Green Flag Award in 2026.
- Around 90 trees could be planted across play areas and surrounding green spaces through a proposed partnership with White Rose Forest.