WORK to create a new “natural” play area in Peel Park has begun.

The new facility has been designed by the Friends of Peel Park, Bradford Council and the JU:MP scheme - which aims to improve the health of young people in this area of the city.

It comes after years of calls for a new or improved play area in the Bolton Road side of the park.

On Monday children from local schools visited the site to learn about what the facility will look like.

Jane Lees, vice-president of The Friends of Peel Park led the charge to keep the play area two years ago and is looking forward to seeing it develop. Shee said: “We had a major battle on our hands to ensure that children had a high quality play experience available to them and want to thank the 600 people that signed our petition to save the site in 2018. Having secured the play area for the future we are looking forward to having a new kind of natural play area that will give young children the challenge of climbing natural materials that fit in with our aim to make Peel Park a great place for children to play.

Petition power helps save play area in Peel Park

“I am really looking forward to seeing lots of excited children running up and down the mounds and having a brilliant time.”

The development of the play area is instrumental in attracting local families to the park to be more active and enjoy being outside.

JU:MP Community Engagement Manager, Caroline Swain said: “Outdoor play is vital for children to build resilience, develop physical skills, form links with nature and most of all have fun.

“JU:MP values the right for children to play, and have clean, appropriate, safe places to do this. This new play area provides local children with the opportunity to be outside in a place where they can explore and enjoy the natural surroundings.”

Weekly outdoor play sessions are currently being put on in the park with the assistance of JU:MP and The Big Swing and Peel Park’s Great Get Together is planned for June 13.