HUNDREDS of York residents are set to benefit from a new £65,000 community play garden.

The facility, which will be situated behind the new Holgate Park housing complex in Poppleton Road, was designed by local parents and children.

It will include a bike and skate zone with small ramps and jumps, a colourful orchard with scented flowers, a "wild play" zone suitable for lively games, and a community mosaic depicting a local point of interest, such as York Railway Station.

It will also contain a "look-out mound" complete with slides and seating perfect for catching picturesque views of York Minster. The play garden will be locked up at night and equipped with security lighting and fencing.

City of York Council development officer Derek Gauld, who has co-ordinated the scheme, said the facility will be funded by developers Countryside Properties.

He said: "It will be ideal for all ages and we hope residents will use it for parties and picnics. It should generate a real community spirit and provide a safe environment for kids."

The facility, which will be maintained by York council, will also have full disabled access.

Holgate councillor Liz Edge said she was "delighted" with the new facility.

She told the Evening Press: "The residents have been involved in this project every inch of the way - we've had several public meetings.

"It's a major step forward. Poppleton Road is extremely busy and we desperately needed somewhere for the children to play.

"The residents have come up with something really imaginative."

Holgate residents will be able to see the play garden plans at a ward committee meeting in Poppleton Road School on October 18, between 7.30pm and 9pm.

Updated: 09:54 Saturday, October 06, 2001