Families looking to keep the kids entertained in York this summer are getting a new, free attraction right in the heart of the city.
A pop-up children’s play area called The Tempest is set to open on Parliament Street on Tuesday 21 July.
Brought to the city by York BID, the temporary playground is inspired by York-born scientist and volcanologist Tempest Anderson. It aims to mix active play with a bit of local history.
The play area will be open every day from 9am to 6pm throughout the summer holidays.
Its features include:
- Climbing and balancing equipment
- Sensory play panels
- Bridges and interactive features
- A wheelchair-friendly rumble strip and accessible play equipment
- Perimeter seating so parents can sit back and relax.
Operations manager at York BID Carl Alsop said the idea came directly from listening to residents.
“From the survey we did with local people last year, we know families are always looking for free, high-quality activities when they visit the city centre,” he said.
“It’s a really distinctive summer addition to York, combining play with local history, creating something that’s fun, educational and completely unique to the city.”
The playground will also introduce visitors to the life and work of Tempest Anderson (1846-1913), an eye surgeon at York County Hospital who was also an explorer and expert on volcanoes.
The project has been delivered alongside York-based playground creators Playscheme, Make It York, Thors and York Civic Trust.
Funding has been provided by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, through the vibrant and sustainable high streets fund.
Mr Skaith said : “By supporting The Tempest Play Area, we’re helping to create a family-friendly space that brings local history to life and encourages more people to visit the city centre.”
This is one of 66 projects being supported across the region to help “transform local high streets into vibrant destinations”.
The play area is free to use throughout the summer and has been designed to be safe, accessible and welcoming, with daily inspections, CCTV monitoring and regular maintenance.
