Accessible and Inclusive Play Areas Survey Firefly Upscaler 2x scale

We want your views to shape accessible and inclusive play areas in York

We are inviting people across York to help shape the future of the city’s play areas, as part of our major investment in parks and green spaces.

We have launched the Accessible and Inclusive Play Areas Survey 2026 to gather views from disabled children and young people and their parents and carers, so we can ensure our play spaces meet the needs of all families.

This survey is part of our wider commitment to revitalising parks, play areas and green spaces across York, supported by an initial £750k investment and officers will use future sources of funds to add to this investment, including S106 money taking the programme budget to around £925k.

Through this programme, we are prioritising sites in areas of higher deprivation and places where play equipment is ageing, helping us create spaces that are accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

We have already identified 19 schemes for improvement, including upgrades to play equipment, surfacing, seating and access at locations such as Hull Road Park, Chesney Fields and Crombie Avenue.

Our ambition is to create parks that bring people of all ages and abilities together, encouraging more time outdoors and helping to get more children outside and being active.

As Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said: “We are improving our oldest play equipment and creating spaces that bring people of all ages and ability together. We want them to be fun, beautiful and welcoming for all.”

Your feedback through this survey will play a vital role in shaping how these improvements are designed and delivered. We want to understand:

  • What accessible surfaces and features are most important
  • What inclusive and adaptive equipment is needed
  • How children can better play together
  • The role of sensory and quiet spaces
  • What barriers make visiting play areas more difficult

The insight you share will help us make informed decisions about design, funding and delivery, working closely with communities, ward councillors and local groups.

How to take part

The survey is open until 30 June 2026.

Need a paper copy or if you need the consultation in an alternative format such as braille or large print call 01904 551550 or email ycc@york.gov.uk or pop into your local library or Explore Centre and West Offices for a copy too.

We are also hosting a drop-in session at Chesney Fields play area (Foxwood Lane, YO24 3PG) on Wednesday 17 June, 3–5pm, where you can come along and speak to us in person.

By sharing your views, you can help us create play spaces where every child in York can play, feel included and thrive.

8 June 2026/City of York Council/, , , ,