New state-of-the-art play area opens at Valley Gardens in Castleford
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Wakefield Council has installed a new state-of-the-art play area at Valley Gardens in Castleford, offering inclusive and exciting play for local children.
“I’m delighted to see the new facilities that have been built at Valley Gardens for our young people to enjoy.
“This new play area reflects our commitment to offering fun, creative, safe and accessible spaces for our residents to experience. We hope local families will be able to spend quality time here over the coming years."
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
"The new play area is part of our continued investment and improvement projects in our parks and green spaces. It’s been made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Valley Gardens Friends Group and local ward members, working alongside the Council for the benefit of the community.”
Cllr George Ayre
Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Services
Wakefield Council has invested £99,000 in the scheme to modernise and improve the area. The park includes new slides, swings, a roundabout, and a climbing tower for local children to explore.
Carol Grason, Chair of the Friends of Valley Gardens, said: “Castleford residents have been asking when the Valley Gardens would get a play area. We are very pleased that this has now come to fruition and is going to be here for children of all ages to enjoy long into the future.”
The new play area has been designed to suit the needs of early years to school-age children, with equipment added that encourages climbing, swinging, sliding, traversing, spinning, and rocking.
The wheelchair-friendly roundabout, transfer-height seesaw, play panels, and a central pathway make it accessible for all.
To offer inclusive group play opportunities, a nest group swing and a four-tower junior multi-play unit have also been installed, offering a range of physical challenges. Children can also try out the track ride, a modern take on the zip line and cliff rider, a high-altitude ride. Other features include safety surfacing, new bins and benches.
Wakefield’s award-winning parks and green spaces are the heart of fantastic local communities. The Council works alongside 45 incredible local Friends Groups to keep improving parks and greenspaces.
