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”
Category Archives: History
Donkeys and ponies in Rowntree Park
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”
Boats 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 and Animals
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”
Rowntree Park Swimming Pool
The Swimming Baths In July 1924 an open-air swimming pool opened in Rowntree Park. It was located at the North end of the park toward the Terry’s avenue gates (sort of between the carpark and the gates). The water was unheated and the pool was free to use until 1944. There was outdoor changing eitherContinue reading “Rowntree Park Swimming Pool”
Historical Timeline
Rowntree Park opened on July 16th 1921. The park was a gift from the Rowntree Family and was to be a memorial to the members of his Cocoa works staff that fell and suffered in WW1 (more than 200 men). Joseph Rowntree wanted the park to “afford many rest and recreation from the turmoil andContinue reading “Historical Timeline”
A hundred years ago
A hundred years ago, the First World War had just finished and the world could start to think about planning for a better future. After so much loss, many hoped that the League of Nations (founded 1920, mentioned on the plaque in the lych gate) would help promote peace. Meanwhile, across the UK, those whoContinue reading “A hundred years ago”
Rowntree Park remembers
Rowntree Park is a wonderful place for quiet personal contemplation, and many local people use spaces within the park throughout the year, to reflect and remember their loved ones. This October and November we are also remembering those affected by the First World War, with several installations and displays in the park. Within the ReadingContinue reading “Rowntree Park remembers”
Swimming in Rowntree Park
This blogpost is by Rose and June, Friends of Rowntree Park and local residents for many years. They remember the swimming pool in the park as being an important part of growing up in York. We welcome more contributions from people who remember the park – and from people who use the park now. WeContinue reading “Swimming in Rowntree Park”
Found when digging the pond
We knew that the wildlife pond was going into an area of the park that had been used as a dump. After about 20cm of top soil, we were into a layer of dumped domestic debris – bottles, jars, bits of twisted metal, part of a doll’s face, even a chunk of hymn book. Most of thisContinue reading “Found when digging the pond”