Saturday 12th September 2009 saw the re-launch of Riccall Recreation Ground. The celebrations included face painting for younger children in the new pre-school area, a BBQ; a ‘beat the goalie’ competition at the sports wall and ice creams. On Riccall Skate Park, SK8 SAFE ran some beginner skate sessions, followed by a skate jam with trick tips, skate demos, skate competitions with spot prizes and DJ.
Parliamentary candidate, Nigel Adams officially opened the whole Recreation Ground at 1pm.
The installation of a new pre-school area (phase 4) in June, has completed the re-development of Riccall Recreation Ground. Over the last 5 years £142,000 has been raised through various funding bodies including The Big Lottery – Young People’s Fund, Living Spaces, Riccall Parish Council, Selby DC Mon£y 4 U, NYCC Community Fund, Groundwork Selby, NYCC Selby area committee and now Community Spaces. This funding has allowed the installation of an enclosed junior play area, pre-school area, aerial slide, Kompan roundabout, sports wall, teen meeting area and skatepark. Riccall Parish Council has worked in partnership with the Riccall Recreation Development Group to deliver each phase, giving both moral and financial support.
Howard Adamson, Chair of Riccall Recreation Development Group said,’ 'The opening of the pre-school play area completes the re-furbishment and re-equipping of the Recreation Ground and gives Riccall a facility which is the 'jewel in the crown' of the Selby District. A great deal of effort has gone into raising the money for the equipment and in planning and installing the various facilities now available. My thanks go to colleagues on the Recreation Development Group and the Parish Council, particularly our Parish Clerk, Lindsey Ryan, for all their hard work and enthusiasm for the development. It is now down to us all to use and maintain the equipment for everyone's future enjoyment.'
Lindsey Ryan said, ‘The re-launch marks the end of all planned phases of development on the Recreation Ground. The Recreation group will now be concentrating its efforts on developing junior football facilities on Westfield in Riccall, though we may well come back to new ideas for the Rec. at a later date! Many residents in Riccall have contacted us to say how pleased they are to have such a great set of facilities within walking distance. Great thanks go to all our supporters and funders and particular thanks go to Community Spaces for allowing us extra funding to finance the launch event.’
