Welcome to the Friends of Rowntree Park
Our volunteers help maintain and improve Rowntree Park in York.
The Friends of Rowntree Park
Helping care for, improve and bring people together in one of York’s best-loved green spaces.
The Friends of Rowntree Park is a registered charity powered by people who care about the park and want to help make it the best it can be.
Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They garden, litter pick, care for wildlife habitats, run events and activities, support educational projects and create opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other.
We work in partnership with City of York Council, which has overall responsibility for managing Rowntree Park, and act as an important link between the park, the council and the community. We also coordinate bookings for external groups and organisations who would like to run events, classes and activities in the park.
Get involved
There are lots of ways to be part of the Friends. You can volunteer, whether that’s regularly or just occasionally, become a member, come along to one of our events or simply support the work we do.
Our membership scheme is open to everyone and it means you support us financially – membership income goes directly towards our work in the park, helping fund planting, tools, wildlife projects, community activities and improvements.
And if you’d like to run an event or activity in Rowntree Park, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll find information about using and booking park spaces in our Events section.
However you choose to get involved, you’re helping care for Rowntree Park now and for the future.
Become a Trustee
Help shape the future of Rowntree Park. The Friends of Rowntree Park is the charity that helps care for and improve this much loved green space. Our volunteers garden, litter pick, support wildlife, and run events and projects that bring the community together.
We’re now looking for new Chair of Trustees to join our board and help guide the charity.
If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved in your community, this could be a great way to make a difference.
Rowntree Park
A beautiful historic park just a short walk from York city centre, with something for everyone.
Rowntree Park has been enjoyed by generations of York residents and visitors since it opened in 1921. Today you’ll find playgrounds, gardens, ponds and wildlife areas, tennis and basketball courts, a skatepark, table tennis, open green spaces and plenty of places to simply wander, sit and enjoy the park.
Some facilities are managed separately. Explore York runs the Rowntree Park Reading Café and library, while the tennis courts are overseen by Rowntree Park Tennis Club, so enquiries relating specifically to these facilities should be directed to those organisations.
Want to discover more about the park, its history and what you’ll find here? Visit our About the Park page.
The Friends of Rowntree Park
As a charity, we depend on our fantastic supporters. You can become a member from as little as £10 a year. This money helps us improve the park for the community.
Events & activities in the park
Throughout the year, the Friends organise a varied programme of community events, activities and workshops for children, young people, families and adults.
From nature and wildlife, seasonal celebrations and creative workshops to wellbeing activities, music, art and community gatherings, our events are all about helping people enjoy the park, try something new and connect with nature and each other.
Some activities are regular, others pop up throughout the seasons. Keep an eye on our members newsletter, social media and our ‘What’s On’ page to see what’s coming up.
Want to run something in Rowntree Park?
We also coordinate bookings for external organisations, community groups, instructors and others who want to use the park for events and activities. Find out more about booking a space on our Events page.
Community events
Nursery and School events
Volunteer with us!
Have fun and help your local park! We have a range of volunteer opportunities available and would love your help. Whether a one-off or a more regular thing, we’d love to hear from you.
Together let’s make the most of ‘Our Backyard’
Thank you to all who support our work from volunteers, members, donators and grant funders. We’d like to thank the following for supporting various Friends of Rowntree Park Projects 2026-2027
