Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on July 13th, 2026
•This summer, families in York are in for a treat with the opening of a brand-new pop-up play area called The Tempest, set to launch on Tuesday, 21st July. Located on Parliament Street, this exciting new attraction is designed to offer children a fun and engaging space to play while learning about local heritage. The initiative is brought to the city by York BID, which aims to create a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.
Play Area Details
The Tempest is not just any play area; it has been inspired by the life and work of York-born scientist and volcanologist Tempest Anderson. This creative theme combines play with education, allowing children to explore the fascinating world of science through play. The installation will be open every day from 9 am to 6 pm, providing ample opportunity for families to visit.
The pop-up play area features:
Climbing and balancing equipment
Sensory play features
Bridges and interactive elements
Accessible play equipment
Educational areas about Tempest Anderson's remarkable contributions
The design encourages children to be active while enjoying quality time with their families in the heart of York. According to Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID:
“We’re incredibly excited to open The Tempest. From the survey we did with local people last year, we know families are always looking for free, high-quality activities when they visit the city centre. It’s a really distinctive summer addition to York - combining play with local history, creating something that’s fun, educational and completely unique to the city.”
Community Involvement
The project has been a collaborative effort involving various partners, including Playscheme, Make It York, Thor's, and York Civic Trust. Funding has also come from David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, through the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Vibrant & Sustainable High Streets Fund. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance local high streets and create vibrant community spaces.
Mayor Skaith emphasised the importance of such projects:
“Our high streets are where our communities come together. That’s why I’m backing creative ideas from the people who know their area best with my High Street Fund. By supporting The Tempest Play Area, we’re helping to create a family-friendly space that brings local history to life and encourages more people to visit the city centre.”
He highlighted that this is one of 66 projects supported across York and North Yorkshire, all aimed at transforming high streets into lively destinations.
Accessibility and Safety
The Tempest has been thoughtfully designed to be safe and accessible for all children. It includes features such as:
Sensory panels for children with different abilities
Mirrored elements that add a fun twist to play
A wheelchair-friendly rumble strip for easy navigation
Spaces for both social and independent play
Seating around the perimeter for families to relax together
To ensure safety, the play area will undergo daily inspections and is monitored by CCTV. Regular maintenance checks will also be conducted to keep the space in top condition. This focus on safety and accessibility means families can enjoy their time at The Tempest without worry.
The Tempest pop-up play area promises to be a fantastic addition to York's summer offerings, combining fun, education, and community spirit. It not only provides a safe space for children to play but also enriches their understanding of local history through the inspiring story of Tempest Anderson. As York continues to grow and evolve, attractions like The Tempest play area help foster a sense of community, making the city centre an even more appealing destination for families.