The team from York Racecourse ventured away from their usual day jobs on Monday 4^th November to take help their local community by taking part in the Give and Gain initiative.

York Racecourse donated over one hundred and fifty working hours to support a local public park, using the time to improve things at West Bank Park, which lies a mile from the track.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse said:

“Our Give and Gain Day 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, those working outside to those based in the office, will take part in the day and by utilising their talent and energy, we will be helping our local community and seeing West Bank Park prosper.”

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 are welcoming 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 will provide a more welcoming place for visitors.  A group like this from York Racecourse can achieve in a few hours what would take our limited pool of volunteers weeks to complete, so it is very welcome.’

The Give and Gain initiative is the global day of employee volunteering organised by Business in the Community (BITC). Now in its second decade, thousands of people from hundreds of companies took part in the official volunteering day fell in the Spring, during York’s busy race season.

Racing’s contribution to the day has been supported by Racing Together, the community engagement strategy for the sport.