Myrtle Park: A Community-Led Transformation

The Ovenden and Illingworth Residents Association was formed in early 2024 with a shared vision: to improve parks and green spaces in both Ovenden and Illingworth. Among the priorities identified by residents was Myrtle Park, once a vibrant hub, which was in decline.

Driven by a passion for community wellbeing, the group set out to reimagine Myrtle Park as a safe, attractive, and inclusive space where people of all ages and abilities could come together to socialise, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors. Their aim was to create a place where children and adults could play and exercise side by side, helping to build stronger community bonds.

At the time, Myrtle Park was in a sorry state—damaged and missing equipment, broken glass, and a steep decline in visitors. Many locals shared memories of when the park was full of life, lamenting its fall into disuse due to a lack of engaging facilities.

A New Beginning

Concerned residents raised the issue of the deteriorating play area with local councillors, who connected the group with Active Calderdale through its Community Led Approach initiative. Working in partnership, Active Calderdale, North Halifax Partnership, and community representatives met on-site in February 2024 to begin a series of consultations.

Drop-in sessions were held in the park to gather feedback from residents, and insight collected via social media was used to understand the community's needs. Families called for inclusive play equipment, swings and climbing frames suitable for different age groups and abilities.

This feedback led to a successful UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) bid, supplemented by investment from Calderdale Council’s Parks and Green Spaces team. By March 2025, a brand-new, fully refreshed playground was in place.

Activating Every Corner of the Park

Next to the new play area lay an empty space with great potential. Residents expressed a desire for a spot where adults could gather, socialise, and stay active. Through further consultation—organised by the Residents Association via drop-in events at the park and local community centre, ward forum discussions, social media polls, and door-to-door conversations—a new plan took shape.

Through Active Calderdale funding for Ovenden approved by the community panel, this area is now home to:

• Adult gym equipment, including:

  • Chest Press

  • Seated Row

  • Recumbent Cycle (which can charge a device during use)

  • Cross Trainer

  • Leg Raises

  • Dips

• An accessible seating area, with two inclusive picnic benches

• A community orchard, featuring nine fruit trees provided by Calderdale Council

The new social space allows visitors to stay longer and fully enjoy the park. Previously, there was nowhere nearby to rest or gather; now, families and friends can make a day of it.

Planting for the Future

The community orchard, planted by the Residents Association alongside local families, offers more than just free, healthy fruit. It serves as a living classroom—an opportunity to learn about growing food and the importance of fresh fruit in a healthy diet.

Training for Lasting Impact

To make the most of the new gym equipment, The Great Outdoor Gym Company delivered a four-week training programme. Residents learned how to use the equipment safely, vary their workouts, and incorporate warm-ups.

Now, every Tuesday from 1–2pm, members of the Residents Association are on hand to guide others. These sessions offer a welcoming, supportive environment—especially for older adults and women, who are often less represented in outdoor fitness spaces.

Celebrating Community Success

On Saturday, 26th April, Myrtle Park hosted a family fun day to celebrate the park’s transformation. Hundreds turned out to take part in activities including:

• A scavenger hunt, with 12 lucky children winning brand new bikes (thanks to The Rusty Bike Shed)

• Pad work sessions with Halifax Boxing Sports & Fitness Club

• Football and arts & crafts with North Halifax Partnership

• Face painting and garden games like Jenga and Connect 4

• Demonstrations on how to use the outdoor gym, especially the energy-producing cycle

• Bike repairs from Active Travel Hubs - North Halifax and Rusty’s Bike Shed

• Free lunch boxes to fuel the fun from local cafe Munchies

• Visits from local PCSOs and the fire service

Feedback from the event showed:

• 100% agreed Myrtle Park is now accessible

• 98% found it more attractive

• 96% felt it was safer

• 87% said the new gym equipment would encourage them to be more physically active

Voices from the Community

“It’s been an absolute shot in the arm for the whole area. Kids are in it every day, playing and using the exercise equipment. I’m using the gym myself and enjoying it. The benches are used by grandparents watching the kids play—it’s definitely helping people to socialise more. The fruit trees will take a while to, no pun intended, bear fruit—but they’ll encourage healthy eating in the future. Huge thanks to everyone involved.”Gordon Thorpe, Resident and Member of Ovenden and Illingworth Residents Association

“This park is absolutely fantastic. It really shows what a strong, caring community can achieve when people come together. It’s inclusive, vibrant, and thoughtfully designed for everyone to enjoy.”Stevie Silver, Local Resident

“An excellent use of green space. This isn’t just about swings and roundabouts—it’s about people of all ages having a place to meet, move, and thrive. The outdoor gym encourages fitness for everyone.”Eddie Moss, Local Resident

“Fabulous renovation of the park and addition of adult exercise equipment, benches and trees. Great job done by all.”Diana Thorpe, Local Resident