THE playground in Ilkley’s Riverside Park is scheduled to re-open from Friday, April 8 - just in time for the Easter holidays.

Phase one of the new design is now installed and includes a new toddler play zone, natural play area, swings, accessible roundabout and multi-seesaw. Younger children will find a sensory play space, and new ‘spicas’ and ‘we-hoppers’.

For older children, there are two new racing zip-wires and an agility trail to offer plenty of excitement, balancing and adventure.

Pauline Munro, Deputy Chair of the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks said: "We are delighted to see the phase 1 works have now been completed by Kompan. However, the play area still lacks play equipment for older children and we are now fundraising for two additional pieces of kit to really make the play area a great place to play for local children of all ages."

Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks are fundraising to add a giant new ‘WharfeWave’ rope swing and the ‘Ilkley Moor Climb’ tower. These two pieces of play equipment will offer more varied play opportunities for older children, however, together with all the groundworks they cost nearly £80,000 excluding VAT.

Nearly half the amount needed to complete the phase two work has been raised thanks to donations from individuals, local groups and businesses but more is needed.

Joel Sendrowski of Elite Accountancy in Ilkley said: "We are an Ilkley business, and I grew up in the area and know the park well. I remember playing in the playground here and just wanted to give something back to the local community by helping to give the playground a new lease of life for the local children who play there now."

The FOIRP are seeking sponsorship support to raise the remaining funds. If you or your business can contribute anything from £1,000 to £10,000 get in touch.

Sponsors can expect benefits such as logos on signs at the playground and social media acknowledgements and for contributions over £5,000 to be part of the ribbon-cutting event when the new playground is finally completed later this year.

Visit https://www.friends-of-ilkley-riverside-parks.com to download a sponsorship pack, or email foirp2@gmail.com and one of the team will get back to you.

Individuals can also donate via JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/foirpuk or by text (max £20 donation, send the word PARKS to 70085) you’ll find full details on the ‘donations’ page of the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks website.