We are pleased to share we are involved in the York Trailblazers History project.
‘Unravelling the evolving nature of Rowntree Park’ explores the past of Rowntree Park, exploring its inception, development, and transformation over time -shedding light on the park’s cultural significance, its impact on the local community, and its role as a public space for leisure and recreation – the first municipal park in York.
Unravelling the evolving nature of Rowntree Park
Below are some of the events and activities we have planned:
19th March 7-8.30pm – History Talk: Landscape design & horticulture (book now)
9th April 7-8.30pm – History Talk: Changing leisure (book now)
25th April 1.30-3.30pm – Rowntree Park & Me – drop in session (more below)
27th April 10am -12pm – Rowntree Park & Me – drop in session (more below)
28th April 10-11.30am – Rowntree Park History Walking Tour (book)
Get involved:
Rowntree Park & Me
We want to know about ‘people of the park’, the lesser know stories that are valuable social history. Stories and memories from years ago and/or last year! We want to hear from those 8-80 (ish!)
Complete this questionnaire to share your memories and stories of Rowntree Park. Whether last year or years ago, no matter if you are 8 or 80 – we want to hear from you! Click here – it’s really quick!
The Rowntree Park & Me ‘drop in sessions’ will be at the York Explore Rowntree Park Cafe – come along and share memories with us – bring photos if you have them!
On the Saturday session (27th April), we encourage children to come along and draw a picture of their favourite memory in the park (or favourite thing).
Imagining Rowntree Park in 50 Years – Art Competition
Calling on children 5-16 – enter our art competition to reimagine Rowntree Park in 50 years. The deadline is 30th of April and all the information can be found here.
Above are some of the things included in our project. Keep an eye on our social media for up to date information on sessions and activities, and how you can get involved. See below for some information on how you get involved as a volunteer on the project.
More things coming including history display, history trail and a children’s history booklet!
Trailblazer Sculture Trail
There is a second part to the Trailblazers project that includes a city wide sculpture trail across the city in late spring/summer 2024. We are involved in this with our ‘Make Space for Girls’ in Rowntree Park project and are collaborating with York HERStory. We have a group of 12 girls who opted into the project and they have been researching a ‘trailblazer’ and are commissioning an artist to decorate the sculpture that will go in Rowntree Park. The group have had a real leadership role in this project.
Get involved with the Rowntree Park Trailblazer Project
Get involved:
-We need your photos and stories of the park over the years (including recent years)
-We need volunteers to help at community sessions and help collect and curate ‘memories’ of the park
If you’d like to get involved and/or find out more – drop project lead, Abigail, a line at hello@rowntreepark.org.uk
Trailblazers Project general information
Trailblazers is led by Make it York and York Civic Trust, with funding from the Lottery Heritage Grant. A range of York organisations are involved in projects that will help uncover lesser known heritage stories of Yorks past. Trailblazers is to inspire residents to discover and celebrate the heritage stories of people who are important to local communities. The projects include community workshops and programmes through 2024, plus a a large-sculpture trail around York in the spring/summer.
Find out more about the whole Trailblazers project:
http://makeityork.com/events/york-trailblazers/
