Groundwork North Yorkshire: Royal Albert Park Children's Play Area
Royal Albert Park & children's play area in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, used just to be a small skate park and area of rough grassland. With a need for open space and play facilities in the area, the project to improve the park had widespread support, which led to Scarborough Borough Council adopting it as a strategic priority.
An exciting new play area and family space has now been created, containing a selection of dynamic play equipment, with a rubber wetpour impact surface beneath. On the adjoining space a new tarmac path has been installed across the land, providing improved and inclusive access to the play area. A new bank slide and play logs add further play value in the family area, while a picnic table and benches cater for family groups. Local volunteers and M&S employees have undertaken extensive planting of wild roses.
The area is well used by children, families, local residents and tourists - its popularity is proving how much local residents needed it. The local community who have been involved in the project are all very happy with the finished result and how much the site is already being used. The project has also encouraged the Friends of Royal Albert Park to continue their efforts to improve other parts of the park. M&S employees have also said how pleasing it is to be involved in a local improvement project close to the store, saying it’s great to make better links with the community.
Rob Hobson, chair of the Friends of Royal Albert Park, worked with Scarborough Council and others to obtain grant funding for various projects within the park and is very pleased with the results of this particular project:
“There was a lack of play facilities, even though it is the nearest open space for many families in the Scarborough area. Now, there is a playground for primary age school children, a grassed area and space for younger children, and picnic facilities for families. The play area is very well used, particularly by children immediately after school and throughout the summer holidays.”
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