Over the past six months, Love Holroyd Park has brought people together to make a real difference, with 140 participants getting involved between April and September.

On the last Thursday and Friday of each month, Ravensthorpe Residents Action Group, Ravensthorpe in Bloom, Transformers North and the Parks and Green Spaces team at Kirklees Council have come together to care for the park and create a space that the community can enjoy and feel proud of.

From practical improvements and regular maintenance to litter picking and supporting community activities, volunteers have put in a considerable amount of time and energy to help give the park a real uplift.

The work has helped create a park that feels more welcoming, cared for and well used, with more people spending time outdoors and enjoying the space. Most importantly, it has helped build a stronger sense of pride in Holroyd Park.

A huge thank you to our volunteers

None of this would have been possible without the incredible volunteers who have given their time, energy and enthusiasm over the past six months. Whether it has been getting stuck into practical jobs such as cutting back vegetation and helping to ensure the new roadway and walking routes are clear for use, collecting dozens of bags of litter or supporting community activities, every contribution has helped make a difference.

For Karen from Ravensthorpe Residents Action Group, Holroyd Park has been part of family life for many years. Through Love Holroyd Park, she and her fellow volunteers have been able to help improve a space that means a lot to them.

“I’ve been going into Holroyd Park for many years, mainly from when my children were little. We would go to the playground and shoot hoops in the MUGA.

The Move More project has enabled me to come in with the group I’m involved with and carry out different tasks in the park. Our group has wanted to come and improve the park and its facilities for a long time. With support from other community groups, Ravensthorpe in Bloom and Transformers North, backing from Sofie from the Move More project and Greenspace Ranger Andrew Duffield, we have started to make a difference to the appearance of the park.”

The project has also brought benefits beyond the improvements to the park itself, encouraging more people to get outside, enjoy nature and make the most of their local green space.

Karen added: “Being outside, listening to the birds and children playing and having fun is so good for my health and wellbeing. I love nature and wildlife. Also, it costs nothing to use the park and I use it as part of my health and fitness routine. I can ‘get my steps in’ and it’s a great, green gym workout!”

Over the last six months, Karen has noticed more residents using the park, from walkers and cyclists to dog walkers and families spending time together.

“I now come to the park with my granddaughter and I’m looking forward to using the new facilities in place with her as she gets older.”

The success of the sessions is a brilliant example of what can happen when local residents, community organisations and council teams work together around a shared vision for their local place.

The work continues

While we’re celebrating a successful six months, Love Holroyd Park will continue over the winter, with volunteers carrying out seasonal and winter tasks to keep the park looking its best and continue building on the progress already made.

Want to get involved?

You don’t need to have any previous volunteering experience, just bring yourself and a willingness to get involved. Whether you can spare an hour, join regularly or come along every time, you are welcome.

The group will continue to meet on the last Thursday and Friday of each month, from 10am–2pm, and will be found dotted around the park.

As Karen says: “I hope more residents will come and use the park. It is a great asset for our community! Come to the park. Enjoy what is there. You can get involved with the project and be involved in how the park develops over time.”