Opening of Valley Gardens play area
29 July 2009
Children will charge down the 'castle keep' as Harrogate's civic head formally re-opens the Valley Gardens' play area on Wednesday, 5 August 2009.
Over £180,000 has been spent on new exciting play equipment, including a 30-metre zip wire ride, a tree house and ropewalk.
As well as the castle-climbing frame, there's tunnels and swings and even things to make music with.
Councillor Pat Jones, Mayor of the Borough, will cut the ribbon at 12 noon as part of the council's National Play Day celebrations.
The play area re-opened for business this week and the council's parks team is extremely pleased with the numbers of children playing and with the comments they are receiving from parents.
Councillor Richard Cooper, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, added:
"The theme for this year's play day is 'make time to play'.
We hope hundreds of children and their parents, grand parents and carers will come down to the Valley Gardens for this special event.
And of course we hope they will get years of enjoyment from this new play area."
The play day is being organised by the council's play development staff who have organised a mobile skate park, cub karts, bungee trampolines, tree climbing, juggling, model boating, laser combat, climbing wall, Quad bikes, face painting, arts and crafts, sporting activities and fairground rides.
Most of these are free.
There will be a small charge for some of the bigger attractions but all providers have promised to make a donation to the Mayor's charities.
The blue light services will be out in force with the Red Watch from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue bringing along a fire tender.
The 4Youth Service and North Yorkshire Police will also be taking part in all the fun.
There'll be open rehearsals of 'Wind in the Willows' by Harrogate Youth Theatre and Harrogate Hornets' cheerleaders will be showing casing their talents in workshops and performances.
There'll be stands from children's centres, children's information desk and Harrogate Library. ENDS
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY 12 noon Wednesday, 5 August 2009, ribbon cutting ceremony at the castle climbing frame in Valley Gardens play area.
Media contact:
Lynne Mee, Communications and Media Manager, 01423 556022 email
lynne.mee@harrogate.gov.uk or mobile 07525 987921 or 07884 226409