Author Archives: Friends of Rowntree park

By the late 1990s, the park was starting to look somewhat unloved and many of the original features had either gone or were in need of work. After some research into the historical nature and landscape of the park, a submission was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Urban Parks project to fund the restoration.Continue reading “Restoration of Rowntree Park 2000”

Paddling Pool in Rowntree Park The original wading pool was not very deep and had a sandy beach. There was a horseshoe canopy that surrounded it, that was where often families sat and watched their children. The water was constantly changed, which was facilitated by a wind pump and the overflow fed into the lake.Continue reading “Paddling and Iceskating in Rowntree Park”

During WW2 the government encouraged people to stay at home and have ‘holidays at home’. The park became a central focus for many people in the area. It hosted 40 concert parties, dances and brass bands played live. There were talent spotting competitions, sheepdog shows, donkey rides, Punch and Judy, puppet shows, model railway linesContinue reading “Social History of Rowntree Park”

We don’t have much information about sport in Rowntree Park in our archives, so would love to hear more from people with stories, information and/or images to share. Joseph Rowntree originally wanted outdoor activities in Rowntree Park to improve health by exercise but sport that could be watched in seats. It was originally planned toContinue reading “Sport in Rowntree Park”

Rowntree Park over the years If you look at Rowntree Park from above, you will see the symmetry. The gardens were inspired by Scarborough gardens where Joseph Rowntree spent time. In the early days of the park, a lot of time and investment was put into the upkeep. In addition to the resident park keeper,Continue reading “Rowntree Park Gardens”

Park Keepers Park Keepers in Rowntree Park are firm characters in many people’s memories. Especially the infamous “Parkie Bell”, the first park keeper. The information here is from a mix from our archives, the book ‘Walk in the park’ by Christine and John Dowell, and also snippets passed on by the general public and TheContinue reading “Rowntree Park – Park Keepers”

Rowntree Park Gates The park has a range of entrances. The main entrances are from Terry Avenue and Richardson Street. There are also gates from Lovell Street and Cameron Grove as well as the car park entrance from Terry Avenue. The Butcher Terrace gates were a later addition to the park following the park’s extension.Continue reading “Rowntree Park Lychgate and gates”

In the 1960s, there were also ponies and carts in the park led by Walter Smith. It was about 3p a ride people remember. In the 1970s Sam Marshall brought donkeys to the park. The donkeys were; Paddy, Danny, Ruby, Nancy, Sally and Bimbo. Donkey rides were near where the carpark is now – thatContinue reading “Donkeys and ponies in Rowntree Park”

The Serpentine lakes have been a popular attraction since the Park opened. Paddling was allowed in part of the lake for a period of time from when the park opened up until around the 1970s. Children would also often sail small boats on the lake and from the 1940s York model Boat Club would holdContinue reading “Boats in Rowntree Park”

Aviaries in Rowntree Park In 1929 aviaries were constructed at Richardson Street entrance of the park. There were a range of animals including pheasants, parrots, macaws, tropical birds, finches. However, a park that floods and live animals in cages didn’t prove a good mix. In the floods of the 1930s the flood water came 18Continue reading “Aviaries and Animals”