Hull City Council has announced the reopening of East Park following a £10.3m refurbishment.

Work on site over the past two years has returned the East Park recreational area to its former splendour.

New visitor attractions include a giant walk-through aviary, an animal education centre, a boat house and a community pavilion.

Furthermore, the present Victorian Khyber Pass, 1929 Wicksteed Splash boat, original maze and the Valley Ornamental Gardens have been restored.

Councillor Stephen Brady, chair of the East Park steering group and Park Area committee, said: “The redevelopment has been a long time in coming but now provides much improved facilities for residents to enjoy. I hope that the park will continue to flourish over the coming years.”

In addition, special help points have been installed so that visitors can call for a park ranger or first aid.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) contributed £6.4m to the project. Fiona Spiers, HLF manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “We have invested millions of pounds across the UK to help restore hundreds of these historic green spaces to their former glory and I’m particularly proud to see East Park rejuvenated.

“Since Victorian times, parks have been havens from the bustle of daily life and this much loved park is once again ready to welcome Hull’s residents, workers and visitors alike.”

On 24 June, Deputy Prime Minister and East Hull MP John Prescott cut the first sod of grass to mark the site where an additional community pavilion will be built. Details: www.hullcc.gov.uk

Photograph: Kim Wilde and the Lord Mayor of Hull, councillor Trevor Larsen, on the bridge in the giant aviary, courtesy of Kev Ladden