A PLAY park which has been closed for a year and a half could be re-opening soon after a long-term lease was secured.
Gainford Activity Park (GAP) could be welcoming children back following a face-to-face meeting between the Catholic Diocese, which owns the land, and parish councillors.
Chairman of Gainford Parish Council Cllr Andrew Wilkinson said he was delighted that a new 15-year lease agreement had been achieved.
He added: “Many residents have been very disappointed by the park’s closure and have aired their views in normal ways. It has been very frustrating for all.
“The loss of the amenity that had offered so many families, both residents and visitors, so much joy is now back on track with a common approach with the landowner.”
Cllr Wilkinson said the council had set aside cash each year for the park and the signing of a long-term lease would enable it to apply for grants to add to the fund to replace equipment and improve the park’s facilities.
Cllr Wilkinson said: “The parish council undertook a local village consultation back in early 2022, meeting at the village hall with residents and stakeholders.
“We are now able to consult with manufacturers of play equipment to obtain costs and review designs.
“Most of the existing equipment is end of life, but we hope that rubber matting and bark chippings can be reused.”
It is also hoped that a working party made up of residents and volunteers could be formed to meet once or twice a year to make improvements and help keep the GAP “vibrant and relevant” , he said.
Cllr Wilkinson said the group would be drawn from all age groups to encourage a sense of ownership, and it might curb anti-social behaviour at the park.
He added: “The parish council strongly feels that by engaging with the community in the latter design stages and future re-opening of the park that his can be the start of other improvements and projects in our community.”
Anyone who would like to get involved in the development of GAP can email the council’s clerk, Martin Clark, at [email protected]
