A PLAY park in York can now be enjoyed by children of all abilities after undergoing a £19,000 refurbishment.

The inclusive park, at Copmanthorpe Recreation Centre, opened after a short civic reception, with the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Keith Orrell, having the honour of cutting the ribbon along with local youngster Austin Thornton-Smith, who was representing Copmanthorpe Childcare Centre.

Following the hard work and determination of local mum Ruth Scarlett £19,000 was raised for the Recreation Centre's project. Ruth, vice chair of the Recreation Centre, led the project, with support from the local community.

The funds were used to buy and install various pieces of play equipment, including a wheelchair accessible roundabout, sensory panels and swing seat. It also features a new play boat climbing structure.

Ruth said: "I am so happy with the outcome, we managed to raise £19,000 through various schemes but funding from the Postcode Local Trust helped us purchase the inclusive roundabout, climbing structure and sensory panels, with other large contributions from City of York Council's Copmanthorpe Ward funding, which gave £4,000, and from the Recreation Centre itself, which gave £2,000. Already the park is much busier which is great for the community."

Ruth successfully bid for a grant of £10,000 from the Postcode Local Trust, £4,000 from Copmanthorpe Parish Council and £200 from Co-op community fund.

In addition, members of the local community raised funds, including Copmanthorpe Childcare Centre, which organised a ‘toddle waddle' and matched funding. It also provided advice on equipment to buy.

Cllr Orrell added: "The play area is now an inclusive space where children, regardless of disability, can all play alongside each other. The community and recreation centre should be proud of their achievement. I congratulate them on raising the funds which took a lot of time and effort."

The new equipment can be used during the Copmanthorpe Carnival tomorrow (July 7) from 11.30am to 6pm at the Recreation Centre.

It will feature live music, stalls, treasure hunt, Viking reenactment and camp, kids sword fighting and other demonstrations, including first aid.

England's World Cup match with Sweden will also be shown.

Programmes, which give entry to the event, are available for £5 for adults in several Copmanthorpe shops up until 5pm today (July 6) and on the gate will be £7. Emergency workers and 14 to 16-year-olds will be charged £5 on the gate with valid ID. Under 14s can enter for free. See the event's Facebook page for more details.