£108,000 for new play facilities in Knaresborough
Over £108,000 is being made available by Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council to provide a brand new play area at the Fysche Hall Field playground next to Knaresborough's swimming pool.
A £50,000 grant has been allocated from the Department of Children, Schools and Families Playbuilder funding programme, Harrogate Borough Council is providing £24,000 from developers' contributions and the scheme has also received a grant of
£34,079 from the BIG Lottery's Children's Play Programme.
No council taxpayer's money is needed for this major upgrade.
To start the consultation ball rolling, children and their families are being invited to take part in a day of fun activities on Wednesday 19 August 2009 at the play area next to Knaresborough Pool between 3pm and 7pm.
Harrogate's Play Rangers will provide the fun and games.
Officers from Harrogate Borough Council's Parks and Open Spaces Service will be on hand to talk about ideas for the development of the play area for children of all ages.
Councillor Richard Cooper, the council's Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, says:
"This facility is looking very tired and in need of investment.
This money means that we can give the whole area a facelift and we will be removing the ugly expanse of tarmac.
But what would a play area be without play equipment?
So we want children and parents to work with us to make sure we get modern, exciting play equipment that fits into a natural environment.
It's another example of this council's commitment to improving facilities in Knaresborough."
Playbuilder grants have been allocated to 12 sites across North Yorkshire through applications run by North Yorkshire's Play Partnership.
Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council are working together to improve this play facility and hope to gain the views of the people of Knaresborough.
County Councillor Caroline Patmore, North Yorkshire's executive member for Children's Services said:
"The County Council is really excited to be involved with the young people of Knaresborough in the development of this play area.
Play is a vital ingredient of a happy and healthy childhood."
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT - Councillor Richard Cooper, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services is available for comment on 07792 655535.
Further technical information is available from Trish McLaughlin, Parks Development Manager on 01423 841094.