New play area in Knapton opens

A new play park in Knapton has been opened, thanks to the work of the local Parish Council and Ward councillors.

The new play area, which is positioned on the village recreation field, features impressive new play equipment, including swings, a tractor climbing frame and an agility trail. The new facility has been funded through a Parish Council grant (c £15,000), Ward Committee grant (£5,000), City Council grant (£17,700) and a £10,000 donation made by Barratt Developments PLC.

The nearly £18k funding from the city council was secured as part of the £175k playground improvement fund, which was distributed amongst 30 York play areas in 2021, with community partners providing up to £228k in match funding.

John Flynn, Rufforth with Knapton Parish Council, commented:

“The Parish Council are delighted to announce that the new Knapton play area is now open for all to enjoy!

“We are confident that it will prove to be a real asset to the village and is already being well used by residents and visitors.  We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with and supported the delivery of this scheme.”

Councillor Anne Hook, Liberal Democrat councillor for Rural West York, added:

“Ensuring we have excellent play areas is crucial in supporting our communities and most importantly, providing safe places for young people to enjoy healthy outdoor activities.

“Having tested the new equipment myself, I am sure the local young people will enjoy the excellent addition to their local community. The Parish Council have invested a great deal of time and resource to creating this wonderful new play area, and I’m pleased to have been able to help get this great project delivered.”