Project - River Holme Connections
Sands Recreation Ground
Summary
This capital project involved creating an all-weather accessible path alongside the river at Sands Recreation Ground. The path offers improved access for all, including wheelchair users and prams. With the help of volunteers, the area has also been replanted with native species to create a wildlife-rich meadow.
This capital project involved creating an all-weather accessible path alongside the river at Sands Recreation Ground. The path offers improved access for all, including wheelchair users and prams. With the help of volunteers, the area has also been replanted with native species to create a wildlife-rich meadow.
Thanks:
To our funding partners and the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers. Sands Recreation Ground was funded by Cobbett Environmental Ltd through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Funding and support were also provided by Kirklees Council.
Background
Sands Recreation Area is Holmfirth’s most significant area of flat, publicly accessible open greenspace. Sands is close to Holmfirth swimming pool and features a skatepark, football field, multi-purpose hard courts and children’s playground. Thousands of people visit the area every year.
While the river is relatively accessible at Sands, in the past, the footpath was often muddy, waterlogged and inaccessible to wheelchair users or people with prams.
Our vision
It became clear from our consultation with local people that Sands is a popular place for walking and recreation. Many respondents requested seating and commented on the path’s poor state of repair.
Our aim was to create an all-weather path that would improve access for leisure, recreation and relaxation alongside the river.
Our work
In 2016, we secured funding from Cobbett Environmental Ltd, through the Landfill Trust to create an accessible path. In 2017 work began on a two-year improvement programme costing in excess of £20,000.
We drained the boggy area and installed an all-weather path, giving better access for all, including prams and wheelchairs
A welcoming environment for all
With the help of volunteers, we planted native species to create a wildlife-rich meadow.
Once grown, these native plants encourage wildlife, providing food and shelter for animals, birds and minibeasts.
In spring 2019, 2 benches, salvaged from the Duck Feeding Area in Holmfirth, were refurbished and installed at intervals along the path with a view of the river. A community noticeboard was also installed next to where the path meets the white bridge.
Together with volunteers, partners and supporters, Sands Recreation Ground now has an accessible path giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the River Holme.
Still to complete:
The final stage of the Sands project involves replacing the rusted railings and refurbishing the white bridge. The railings were replaced in autumn 2019 and the bridge is due for refurbishment in the spring of 2020 when the weather improves.
Funding for the bridge refurbishments was raised by a volunteer-run coffee and cake day.
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