Dodnaze Community Centre, Dodnaze members are applying for a £250,000 grant from the Big Lottery fund.

If they are awarded the funding the community association is hoping to create a natural play area called Go Play, at High Hirst Walk, Dodnaze.

So far the bid is at the planning stage and the group has stressed to residents that it has no intention of digging out the existing football pitch.

An open house with residents and children has been held to get feedback about the development.

Linda Knight, of Manor Croft Dodnaze said residents were concerned about the proposal.

A petition with over 100 signatures is due to be issued to the community association.

She said: “We already have a picnic area, wildlife and natural play area so why spoil it with something else?

“Older children will use the area and make it a mess and the rangers won’t be working when this takes place.

“The scheme will take away much of the privacy that is currently awarded to residents because part of the field touches their back garden.”

Suggested ideas for the play area includes an adventure trail, an area for adults to keep an eye on youngsters, spinners, zip wires, swings, a balance trail and activities such as flower planting, building a vegetable garden and wood carving.

The community association plans to recruit three play rangers to encourage imaginative play at the site.

A spokesman for the community association, said: “An open weekend was held to consult with residents.

“The council will evaluate the results and further decisions won’t be made without further community consultation.

“Resident feedback has shown that many people are interested in preserving the natural beauty of the area while using some of the available space for allotments and community gardening.

“The open house display of possible uses for the space is still open and questionnaires are still available for residents to share their ideas.”

Details of the application can be viewed at the community room in Dodnaze.