Nestled in the heart of Park Ward, the Outback is more than just a community garden; it's a vital greenspace that offers a sanctuary for residents of all ages. With a commitment to promoting active and healthy lifestyles, The Outback Community Kitchen & Garden hosts a variety of outdoor, gardening, and cooking activities designed to engage and inspire. With funding support from Active Calderdale, they've enhanced this beautiful space further, making it even more accessible and inviting.
Recent Improvements
One of their recent initiatives involved upgrading signage at The Outback gates, ensuring visitors can easily understand what the garden offers and when it's open. Additionally, we’ve installed waymarkers throughout the garden, creating a dedicated Wellbeing Walk that encourages visitors to immerse themselves in nature while staying active. This initiative not only promotes physical fitness but also allows individuals to reconnect with the great outdoors.
Family Wellbeing Walks: A Summer Success
This summer, the focus was on engaging families through a series of fun and interactive sessions in the garden. A scavenger hunt map was created to accompany the Wellbeing Walk, transforming a simple stroll into an exciting adventure for families. Many participants, some visiting The Outback for the first time, expressed their enjoyment and eagerness to return.
Here are some highlights from the summer family walks:
- Total Participants: 37 (all from families with children)
- Demographics: 20 participants identified as White British, while 17 identified as Asian/Asian British
- Age Range: Participants ranged from toddlers to adults aged 58
During the school summer break, the garden was open to the public once a week, offering a safe, free space for families to enjoy outdoor play. The Wellbeing Walk provided an accessible physical activity option for those visiting The Outback, allowing families to stay active together.
Open Doors and Future Plans
The Outback is open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday, and we invite everyone to come and explore the beauty of the garden. To make the Wellbeing Walk even more accessible, a map is currently being developed that visitors can use at their convenience, independent of formal groups or activities.
This autumn, we’re excited to see local groups head to The Outback, encouraging even more people to experience the benefits of our Wellbeing Walk.
We all believe that everyone deserves access to nature and the opportunity to enhance their well-being, and we’re committed to making that a reality.
Visit The Outback to discover how simple activities like walking in nature can uplift your spirits and promote a healthier lifestyle. We can’t wait to see you there!
