City parks to get 'exciting' PlayZones

"High-quality" sports pitches are to be installed at two parks in Hull.

The PlayZones are designed to encourage more people to take part in sports including football, netball, rugby, cricket, hockey and basketball, Hull City Council said.

Sites have been chosen at Bude Park, in Bransholme, and East Park, in Holderness Road.

Councillor Rob Pritchard, the council's portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said it was an "exciting" development and could lead to "provision citywide".

In Bude Park, the PlayZone will complement other developments, including new changing rooms, improved football pitches and a splash pad.

Meanwhile, in East Park, the PlayZone will replace an old multi-use games area, adjacent to Woodford Leisure Centre, which closed several years ago and has fallen into disrepair.

The sites were chosen following community engagement events last year.

The Football Foundation – the charity of the Premier League, the FA and the government – has provided funding, with the intention of tackling "inequalities in physical activity".

It is hoped that the project will boost participation among women and girls, people from lower socio-economic groups, members of ethnically diverse communities, and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.

The council said the PlayZones were designed to be "safe, inclusive and accessible". According to the Football Foundation, the secure facilities will be accompanied by an online booking system and keypad entry system.

Work on the sites is due to start later in 2024.

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