Exciting new plans for Green Park in Horbury revealed as charities say they want to preserve it 'for generations to come'

Exciting plans to transform a cherished park in the district have been unveiled for the first time.
The park is currently a large grassed area without any other features.The park is currently a large grassed area without any other features.
The park is currently a large grassed area without any other features.

Multiple play areas, trim trail equipment and a bike track are among the features that could be built at Green Park in Horbury, if two local charities get their way.

The Horbury Heritage Trust and the Horbury Common Lands Trust (HCLT) have expressed in interest in jointly taking over the running of the park from Wakefield Council.

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A public consultation on that proposal is set to begin shortly.

A masterplan detailing the ideas has been unveiledA masterplan detailing the ideas has been unveiled
A masterplan detailing the ideas has been unveiled

If approved, the charities will look to push forward with their ideas, which they say are necessary to make the park "vibrant" and attractive to visitors again.

Around 6,000 leaflets will be delivered to homes in the area requesting community feedback on the plans, with traditional face-to-face consultation made impossible by the Covid crisis.

Mick Cudworth, chairman of the Horbury Heritage Trust, said the site was deeply loved by local residents.

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He explained: "A lot of people in Horbury have very fond memories of the park and we've been overwhelmed with positivity from the people we've already spoken to about our plans to take it over.

Local residents are being asked for their views.Local residents are being asked for their views.
Local residents are being asked for their views.

"We want to preserve it for our children, grandchildren and generations to come.

"Green Park is our park and it is vitally important that the community have their say in its future.

"I would encourage everyone in Horbury to complete and return the consultation questionnaire and to add their opinions and thoughts to help shape the final plan and secure the park for this and future generations to enjoy."

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The 11-acre park was formally ring-fenced "For the use and enjoyment of the inhabitants of Horbury forever" under a charitable trust deed signed by the local businessman John Henry Green in 1925.

Under the current plans, there would be new play areas for toddlers, junior-aged children and teenagers, as well as an accessible perimeter track and more plants and landscaping.

Cash for the development may come, at least partially, from lottery funding schemes if the charities are able to take over the site.

HCLT chairman Bill Ingham said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to revitalise nearly 10 acres of Green Park.

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"It used to be a vibrant well used park, but has now become little more than a large grass area.

"It can be vibrant once again and with the support of the community we have a fantastic opportunity to return it to being an exciting and valued community park with spaces for everyone to enjoy”.

Mr Cudworth also said he was keen to hear from any residents interested in helping to form a new "Friends of Green Park" group.

Local Democracy Reporting Service

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