Greenhead park

• History
• New developments
• Greenhead park model train
• Facilities
• Contact

History Greenhead Park is the main park in Huddersfield, and is on land which was originally open fields, used for public meetings, concerts, galas, firework displays, and even balloon landings.  It was opened in 1884, and was the 2nd park serving the town, and has been popular with residents ever since. On opening, the park offered a range of genteel pursuits for visitors, including a series of five ornamental lakes and lakeside viewing arbours, a bandstand, the ornamental bedding of the Italian Gardens, together with a raised terrace which was planned for the construction of a glass pavilion. Sadly, this couldn't be built, and now plays home to the war memorial.  The park was originally encircled by iron railings and entrance gates, although it is believed that these were removed during World War 2.  Over the years 4 of the 5 lakes have been filled in, with the 5th now used as the only public paddling pool in Kirklees. In the 1920's the park was extended to the north, with the development of a range of formal sports activities, including tennis courts, bowling greens and a pitch and putt course, and the park café was built.  More recently a very popular skate park was developed in this area, together with a miniature steam railway, operated by the Huddersfield Society of Model Engineers.

New developments The park is currently the focus of an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a full restoration of the whole park.  During 2006 all the work needed for a Stage 2 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund was carried out.  This took the form of a large pile of detailed designs, surveys, and management plans, which we hope will help see the park return to its former glory.  This application will be submitted in March 2007, with a decision to be made early in June 2007.  If successful this will mean that there is over £3 million available to spend on restoring the park and breathing new life into this valuable civic amenity. There are over 30 elements to the overall restoration project, including: Reinstating a large ornamental lake. Replacing the entrance gates and railings around the park. A brand new, fully accessible, play area. Community facilities in a revamped park café Restoration and repairs to the conservatory, bandstand, statues and drinking fountains around the park. With lots of new trees and new planting areas

The hope is that we will be in a position to start the actual improvements in the park towards the end of 2007, with it taking 2½ years to carry out all of the work that is needed. As well as the physical improvement work, there will be a greater variety of events and activities in the park following its restoration to encourage more people to visit the park, than the estimated ¼ million who visit it each year at the moment.

Greenhead park model train The model train starts running in March until December 23rd.  The train runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm-4pm, as well as various special events throughout the year.  The following is a summary of events from April - all events are weather permitting. Six weeks summer break the train will be running Monday, Wednesday and Friday besides the usual weekends. Halloween special with ghosts, witches and plenty of other surprises on October 31st 5pm till 7pm. Pudsey Bear special November 4th and 5th. Santa's special Ride with Rudolf and his friends to see Santa in his Grotto December 2nd to December 23rd each Sat and Sun.  A present for each child who visits santa. The train can take a wheelchair and is fully designed with all the security fastenings needed.  More train information can be found on the noticeboard by the train in the park. On all bank holidays the train will be running on the Monday. For further information tel: 0785 103 6379