Roundhay Goes Ape For New Park Plans

LEEDS COUNCIL is due to approve plans for an all-ages playground to be built in the wooded area of Roundhay Park, in the coming days.

These plans would provide a real boost to leisure tourism in an area that, despite its popularity, isn’t living up to its potential.

Go Ape, whose adventure playgrounds around the country include tree-top tight-ropes, zip-wires, and climbing nets has 30 sites across the UK which are popular with thrill seekers, but the nearest to Leeds is currently an hour and a half away in Buxton or Dalby Forest.

Last year the council surveyed 450 residents about the proposed plans for the park and found that 81% supported the project - now expecting council approval before a full assessment is carried out "to ensure the development has no negative impact on the natural environment or public access to the park"

“As part of the proposal we will ensure that its design and location will be appropriate and fully in keeping with the ambience and atmosphere of the award-winning park.” says Leeds City Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, who went on to predict that “the introduction of a ‘Go Ape’ adventure course will become a very popular addition to Roundhay Park.” - but that’s just the beginning.

Tropical World's Butterfly House is expecting remodeling work

 As well as plans for Go Ape, other attractions in the area can look forward to a bit of rejuvenation, including a new “Aztec Temple” area, improvements and remodeling at Tropical World, a new “Coastal Zone” featuring penguins and flamingos at Lotherton Hall, and new features at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm.

If all of these plans go ahead - combined with Roundhay Park’s continued resurrection as a live music venue - they’ll be a real boost to leisure tourism in an area that, despite its popularity, hasn’t really lived up to its potential in recent years.

Go Ape

Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay Park, Leeds LS8 2ER