Children invited to discover new-look Crombie Avenue play area

Children in Clifton and beyond are being invited to enjoy the newly transformed Crombie Avenue play area, as the latest improvement funded through City of York Council’s investment in parks and play spaces officially opens this week.

The refurbishment has completely refreshed the play area, creating a modern, inclusive and accessible space where children of all ages and abilities can play, explore and be active together.

The opening comes just days after the official opening of the new play area at Glen Gardens, making Crombie Avenue the second play park to open within a week as part of the council’s wider programme of investment in York’s parks and green spaces.

The redesigned play area has been shaped by feedback from residents, who said they wanted equipment suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, allowing children to progress as they grow and play together. Residents asked for features including swings, monkey bars, a roundabout, spinning equipment, a high-impact multi-play unit with slides, and new seating that caters for a variety of needs.

The new play area delivers on those priorities with a wide range of equipment designed to encourage active play, social interaction and imaginative fun.

Councillor Bob Webb, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

“Seeing a second play area open in the space of a week is fantastic news for York’s children and families. The new Crombie Avenue play area provides a fun, welcoming and inclusive space where children can be active, build confidence and make new friends.

“The range of equipment means there is something for everyone, whether children want to climb, swing, spin, balance or simply enjoy spending time outdoors. Investing in play is investing in children’s health, wellbeing and development, and I’m delighted to see another project completed for the local community.”

Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:

“Crombie Avenue has been transformed; another great example of how investment in our parks is making a real difference for local communities.

“Good quality parks and play spaces are so important for children and families. This new play area provides modern, inclusive equipment that can be enjoyed by a wider range of children, while future improvements to the MUGA and surrounding paths will further enhance the site.

“We’re continuing to make our parks and green spaces across York fun, beautiful and welcoming to all through our Parks Investment Fund, helping to address years of underinvestment and ensuring everyone has access to high-quality outdoor spaces close to home.”

The Crombie Avenue improvements form part of the council’s £750,000 Parks Investment Fund, established to improve parks, play areas and green spaces across York. Together with external funding and developer contributions, the wider programme represents around £925,000 of investment across the city.

An update on progress across the Parks Investment Fund programme, including completed schemes and projects currently under way, will be presented to the council’s Executive at its meeting on 6 October.

Photo Caption: (L-R) Kristina from the parks team at the council, Lottie and her mum Michaela and Cllr Jenny Kent at Crombie Avenue play area