York Racecourse team volunteer 150 hours at local West Bank Park

The team at York Racecourse ventured away from their usual day jobs on 4th November to help their local community by doing their bit for the Racing Together Community Day initiative.

York Racecourse donated over 150 working hours to improve their local green space, West Bank Park, which is a mile from the track.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse said: “Our day of staff volunteering provides the perfect opportunity for York Racecourse to demonstrate our commitment to the community that we are proud to have been a part of since 1731.

“Over thirty of the team, from those working outside to those based in the office took part in the day and by utilising their talent and energy, helped our local community and ensured that West Bank Park prospers.”

First opened in the mid-1930s, West Bank Park has been serving the community of Acomb ever since. The York Racecourse team helped plant the next generation of fruit trees in the orchard, tidied up the children’s playground, constructed compost bins, improved access to a playground and tidied up the rose pergola.

Kristina Davey, Environment and Community Officer at City of York Council welcomed the racecourse’s involvement: “York Racecourse volunteering at West Bank Park is a huge boost to the site.  The time and effort put in by the volunteers provides a more welcoming place for visitors.  A group like this can achieve in a few hours what would take our limited pool of volunteers weeks to complete, so it is very welcome.”

Racing Together Community Day is racing’s national focus for staff volunteering, supported this year by over 60 racing businesses who gave over 1,500 hours of their time in support of local causes. The official volunteering day fell in the Spring, during York’s busy race season so their activity was planned for a slot once their racing was finished for the year.