Fulford sport and active leisure consultation - executive summary

The Fulford Sports and Active Leisure Consultation main report presents the findings from the 2025 Fulford Sports and Active Recreation Consultation, which aimed to identify community priorities for the improvement of Fulford Parish Field and the adjoining Persimmon Field. The consultation was commissioned by City of York Council to guide the allocation of Section 106 (S106) funding from the Germany Beck development, dedicated to enhancing local sports and recreation provision. This is the executive summary that shares the key highlights of the findings and recommendations based on this.

A total 833 people were involved in the engagement and a range of qualitative and quantitative data is available. Of these 646 people took part in the surveys, including 394 residents in the main survey and 252 Fulford School students. Alongside the surveys were a series of community drop-ins, workshops and focus groups (approximately an additional 187 people were involved). Therefore the views of around 833 people were shared, with 486 from the Fulford Ward. This mix of quantitative and qualitative engagement captured diverse experiences, offering both broad data and deeper insight into local needs and aspirations.

The 2025 engagement builds on a previous consultation held in 2022, with this second phase taking a broader view of what sport and recreation means to the community- recognising that being active includes both formal, structured sport and informal sports and activities to encourage active lifestyles. In addition, recreation, accessibility, safety and inclusion were a focus. The 2025 consultation sought to reach groups highlighted as under-represented in the earlier process, including teenagers, older people, disabled residents, as well as LGBTQ+ and ethnic minority communities.

Engagement summary

833 engaged
486 Fulford Ward

Survey and session counts

main survey total respondents: 394
- Fulford Ward: 179
school survey total respondents: 252
- Fulford Ward: 120
in person sessions: 187+
- Fulford Ward

Key findings

The Parish Field is valued but underused - While many adults use it for walking, play or organised sport, many young people and some older residents rarely visit - describing it as lacking variety and informal activity options.

People want a greener, more inclusive and multi-use space - Across all ages respondents prioritised better paths and accessibility, alongside social seating and opportunities for informal sports and physical activity such as walking, running, hoops, climbing and other active ‘play’.

The open green space was valued and people want trees preserving and further tree planting and variety in planting to encourage biodiversity. Any additions to the space to be spread out/zoned and keep the open feel where possible.

Facilities for teenagers and families are a major gap - Young people want spaces to meet and be active - including informal sport and play that promotes activity and socialisation such as swings, climbing and agility equipment as well as through the option of formal sports. Families emphasised the need for equipment and layouts that work for different ages. All supported natural look for any equipment that blends into the landscape and enhances the area.

Organised team sport remain valued - Football and tennis remain important. Residents generally support the use of the field by local sports clubs/organisations but also want the space to feel open and welcoming to others. There was limited support locally for more space to be given to organised sport but there was support for improvements to existing facilities (and moving them away from the play park and generally reconfiguring the space).

Community and wellbeing facilities are strongly supported - Many people want the Sports Pavilion or Social Hall to offer a café, toilet and flexible rooms for classes or events, helping to create a community hub that complements both formal and informal recreation. There was general support via the online survey for the Sports Pavilion to be upgraded.

Inclusion and accessibility are important - Paths that connect the spaces, well surfaced and wide enough for those with access needs. Consideration of toilet access and lighting were flagged. The need to mix quiet spaces/zones, nature, accessible play equipment and a variety of seating, plus thought on positioning, would help meet a range of needs. Visible signs of welcome were mentioned as key to helping more people- especially older people, those from ethnic minority backgrounds and LGBTQ+ people feel comfortable using the space and recognise it is for all. Sensory considerations are important to the visually impaired, hearing impaired as well as the neurodivergent.

Combined data - ideas for the fields

The above chart is a summary of some of the key areas that emerged from the consultation combining quantitative and qualitative data. There are additional areas that were discussed and some areas highlighted above could be categorised as similar and grouped.

Themes

nature/biodiversity - with potential for community involvement
accessibility/inclusivity - paths, seating etc
formal organised sport improvements, for example, football
informal sport activities - hoops, climbing/agility equipment
teenage ‘play’ - can also come under ‘informal sport’ with addition of swings and similar equipment
improving existing children’s play area

Overall vision

The community envisions Fulford Parish Field as a welcoming, green and active space that balances organised sport with informal sport, recreation, active lifestyles, nature and social connection. It should promote health and wellbeing for all ages and abilities, and provide a focal point for community life.

Recommendations

The report recommends that the council prioritise:

a multi-use layout balancing organised and informal sport, play/activity and nature
accessibility and safety improvements including continuous quality paths, accessible gates, zoning, lighting and toilet access
seating across the site for comfort and inclusion
enhanced greenery, planting and biodiversity
youth-friendly features including social play and informal sports areas such as hoops, climbing/agility and swings
modernising the Sports Pavilion to function as a café and community hub
inclusive design and signage to reflect and welcome the whole community

By adopting a wider definition of sport that values both formal participation and informal, everyday activity, Fulford can create a recreation area that promotes active lifestyles, inclusivity and community pride.

Themes (recommendations)

accessible – for example, paths, benches, toilet access
inclusive – welcoming to all, supporting teenagers, older people and those with disabilities or additional needs
healthy spaces – diverse facilities enabling active lives for all ages and abilities
enhancing nature and climate resilient – planting that increases biodiversity and seasonal comfort

Next steps

The 2025 Fulford Sports and Active Recreation Consultation provides a strong evidence base for planning future improvements to Fulford Parish Field and the adjoining Persimmon Field. The next stage should focus on translating these priorities into a practical, phased plan for design and delivery.

Develop a shared design brief
City of York Council should use the consultation findings to produce a clear design brief that reflects community priorities, particularly inclusivity, accessibility and multi-use design.
Commission detailed design and costings
Engage a landscape architect or design team to prepare concepts, detailed designs and cost estimates.
Continue community involvement
Involve residents, schools and underrepresented groups in refining design proposals and celebrating delivery.
Coordinate with sports clubs and partners
Work with Fulford Community Sports Club, Fulford School and other user groups to align improvements.
Secure and allocate funding
Prioritise S106 funding and explore complementary grants and partnerships.
Implement in phases
Begin with high-impact improvements such as paths, lighting and seating.
Monitor and review
Use follow-up surveys and community feedback to track impact.