A NEW era for Pool-in-Wharfedale has begun with the official opening of Pool Riverside Park.

The former Recreation Ground has been rebranded and enhanced to highlight its importance to residents and visitors.

Two large new entrance boards with maps, ten numbered information points - describing the flora, fauna and more - and a new logo have been created as part of a £6,000 revamp.

Local artists Tony and Karen van de Bospoort teamed up with retired teacher and Parish Councillor Richard Parker, and Pool C of E Primary School, to ensure the new features were full of flair.

They were joined by MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), local councillors and John Porter, from the Recreation Ground Management Committee (RGMC), at the park's launch on Sunday, June 14.

Mr Mulholland said: "I was delighted to attend the opening of Pool Riverside Park.

"Well done to the park’s management committee on the work it has done to improve the area.

"It’s a popular local green space which the community benefits from greatly and, thanks to the committee’s work, will continue to do so."

QR codes have been added to the information posts so visitors can scan them with a smartphone to find out more details about the area, which will continue to be managed by the RGMC.

The distinctive style behind the new maps and artwork was inspired by school pupils taking their cue from Winnie the Pooh.

Mr and Mrs van de Bospoort, who collaborated with the school in 2014 to created colourful, personalised street banners for the Tour de France, said: "We have created two large entrance sign boards, sited at access points to Pool Riverside Park, featuring drawings by the children of Pool School.

"This has been a collaborative initiative that has been highly enjoyable and inspiring, creating a meaningful art project to instil a sense of pride for everyone who lives in Pool.

"We held workshops over three days in one hour sessions, engaging every child in the school.

"They were encouraged to draw children playing within the park, wildlife and trees, and their pencil drawings were just perfect to recreate on computer, adding much vitality and animation to the Winnie the Pooh - 100 Aker Wood

inspired map design.

"They were also invited to name areas on the map and this is why there are some wonderfully inventive names, like The Troll Bridge.

"Thanks to all who contributed to make this such a great community project."

Sunday's opening was also marked with a Pool AFC barbecue and tea, in aid of Pool Feast, while an exhibition about the riverside's history was held in the Village Hall.

A dedicated webpage for the riverside park can be viewed at https://poolinwharfedale.wordpress.com/welcome/ .