As part of #LoveParks Week, we wanted to shout about the local jewel that is Shroggs Park!
Shroggs is steeped in history and the Grade II listed park is a prime example of Victorian philanthropy in action. Transformed by mill owner Edward Akroyd as a recreational space for his mill workers, the park opened in 1881 and has been at the heart of the community ever since. The area includes local woodland, a skate park, football pitches, a play park and is home to the popular Halifax parkrun. The park also has diverse tree and plant species which are important for pollinating insects and local wildlife!
Just as important as the park itself are the local people who form the Friends of Shroggs Park group. The group have had a long-standing commitment to improve Shroggs Park and contribute to the wider community over the last 20 years. They are made up of local volunteers who are key to shaping how the park is improved and they spend a lot of time and energy focusing on making the area the best that it can be.
In 2022, Calderdale Council’s Green Space & Streets Team, Active Calderdale, Friends of Shroggs and North Halifax Partnership came together with wider partners to focus on enhancing the potential of the park. Through the hard work of partners, a range of work has already taken place, and the park is benefiting from this focus.
The work completed so far includes:
- Improvements to the paths
- A refurb of the monument
- Pruning of trees and shrubbery – this essential maintenance allows plants to grow back healthier and flourish long term.
- New benches and bins
The partnership continues to work hard to make the park safer, more welcoming, accessible, attractive and sustainable. With help from the community, they can now look to develop the park for the future – ideas such as a community growing space, a woodland walk and ‘Active Spots’ around the park are already being considered. Book a date in your diary to come down and love Shroggs Park.
Planning on visiting Shroggs Park this week? Tag us in your pictures on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) and let us know how you've been active.