WHO ARE THE FRIENDS?
Horsforth Hall Park means many things to many people, some have fond memories of playing football with friends, others teaching their children how to use a swing in the playground, quiet reflection in the Japanese garden, building friendships on the bowling green, playing fetch, watching a match at the cricket club to name just a few. We’d go as far to say that Horsforth Hall Park is at the heart of our wonderful community, both figuratively and geographically.
Whilst Horsforth Hall Park is currently under the care of Leeds City Council, funds that can be invested into our park are limited. As a Friends group, we are committed to working closely with the Parks and Countryside Department, especially the great team that work on maintaining the park, however community support is essential.
Friends of Horsforth Hall Park was originally formed in 1995 in response to local residents’ dissatisfaction with the state of the park, their declared intention was to work with the city council to preserve and protect the integrity of the park, and, by holding events there, to raise funds to improve leisure amenities. The organisation prospered and had over 400 members, the largest community group in town. Together the Friends group achieved great things that we continue to benefit from today including the Millennium garden, the restoration of the Japanese garden, renovation of the band stand and the improvement of the playground.
The original Friends group eventually disbanded in 2016, however in 2019 in response to the need to replace broken equipment in the children’s playground with equipment that was suitable for all abilities the Friends of Horsforth Hall Park group was reformed. In 2023 we achieved a key milestone when Friends of Horsforth Hall Park became a registered charity and significant progress has been made in the Community garden next to the Japanese garden.
We are a welcoming, friendly group of local volunteers who want to engage with the community about enhancing the park in ways that are meaningful to them. We hold quarterly meetings which are open to the whole community to come and talk to us about what you want from your park. We are in regular contact with our local town and city councillors and Leeds City Council to feedback your ideas!
We look forward to seeing you in the park soon.
