Work has started on the development of a new natural play space at Quarry Moor Park in Ripon, North Yorkshire, following the completion of a £36,000 scheme to replace equipment at Paddies Park.

The Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has contributed £50,000 towards the new Quarry Moor Park facility through North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) as part of the Playbuilder initiative. Plans for the natural play space, which has been designed for people aged between eight and 13 years old, have been drawn up with the help of local parents, children and schools.

Cumbria-based contractor Playdale will deliver the new facility, which is set to be completed by the end of February and will boast mounds, tunnels and equipment, such as a jungle climber and swings. New play equipment at Paddies Park has included a zig zag twister, a set of toddler swings, a nest swing for all ages, a roundabout, an overhead rotator and a large climbing frame, as well as a crow's nest.

Meanwhile, plans are also being developed for improvements to Spa Park's play facilities, which will benefit from £49,000 from the DCSF and £30,000 from Harrogate Borough Council. It is hoped that the consultation process for the Spa Park scheme will be completed by the end of December. Image: New equipment at Paddies Park