An outdoor funfair will open in York on Saturday (8 August), offering lots of family entertainment in the fresh air.
And as well as putting a smile on children’s faces, the attraction may save a city business which is otherwise facing a bleak future.
The Web Adventure Park on Wigginton Road has been closed throughout lockdown. In common with similar centres, it has received no grant funding from the government.
Now it is teaming up with another company severely affected by Covid-19, Cynosure Events, to put on the funfair in the park’s grounds.
With seven rides, food and drink options, and the outdoor play equipment, it will be a fun new option for families looking for summer holiday entertainment.
“There is a big hole to fill financially and whilst this won’t make much of an impact it may help pay towards the costs for the animals and bring the team back for a few days in paid work,” said Janice Dunphy, owner of the Web Adventure Park.
“This is important for the park as soon the furlough scheme will be slowing down and the future with no opening date is starting to look bleak indeed.
How it will work
The Web Funfair opens on Saturday (8 August). There will be seven rides included in the entry fee:
- balloon ride
- bungee trampolines
- fun house
- mini Miami
- cup and saucer ride
- bumper cars
- and formula car ride.
Plus the outdoor play area is open, including sand and water play – please bring your own buckets and spades.
The cost per two-and-a-half-hour session is:
- £10 for children
- £5 for adults
- babies to one year £2.
You have to book your place in advance.
“Capacity will be limited, and the hope is that the customers will be able to go on all the rides during their two and a half hour session, before the park is closed, sanitised and reopened for the next group,” said Janice.
“We take the safety of our customers and team very seriously and we would not be opening if we felt we were cutting any corners.
“The park is a spacious location with lots to do which will hopefully avoid anyone feeling they are overcrowded.”
John Lowery said: “We are hoping that this is a success for both companies, all of our regular bookings have been cancelled and we are just grateful to be out working.
“We need to give children something to smile about, this is hugely important now.”
The end date is open at the minute but the team hope that this will continue through August.
No support
The Web Adventure Park is still not allowed to open the indoor soft play centre, which is the heart of the business.
Owner Janice felt that it would be futile to opening the park’s outside play area, because social distancing would severely limit its viability.
She contacted John Lowery of events company Cynosure, and the funfair idea was dreamed up.
“This is make or break for the Web and the hope is that we will be able to keep going until the government allows the indoor part to reopen,” Janice said.
Last month the Web Adventure Park team was among the key players in a march on Parliament, calling for more help for play parks.
In her role as chair of the Family Entertainment Association, Janice has been working with the government to try to secure support for the industry, but no money has been forthcoming.
She said many play centres are closing for good, prompting her to try a new offering.