Thornhill Lees play areas

About the site

Dewsbury South Ward is a large and diverse area within the town of Dewsbury, covering communities such as Thornhill Lees, Ravensthorpe, Savile Town, and Overthorpe. The ward sits along the River Calder and features a mix of residential streets, green spaces, and local amenities, making it an important part of the wider Kirklees district.

The ward benefits from several parks and play areas that serve as vital recreational spaces for families and young people. These include the following sites which we are working on for this project - Lees Holm Park, Lees Hall Road, Ouzelwell Estate and Park House Drive play areas.

Most of these spaces are primarily grassed areas with traditional play equipment and informal footpaths. While they provide opportunities for outdoor play, there is significant potential to enhance their appeal and functionality. Improvements could include introducing inclusive play equipment, natural play elements, seating, and landscaping to create welcoming environments for all age groups.

Project overview

Lees Holm Park

Lees Holm Park will be refreshed so the whole community has a brighter, more welcoming place to enjoy. The upgrade will help bring local families together and encourage children to spend more time playing outdoors. The park will retain all of its current equipment but there will be an installation of a new climber, a new track rider and a new roundabout. There will also be a regeneration of the teen shelter with new flooring and a repaint taking place.

Lees Hall Road

Lees Hall Road will be improved with equipment designed for younger children. These changes will give young people a safe place to socialise, be active and build confidence through play.

All existing equipment will be removed including the bench and surfacing. We will install a refurbished bench at the location along with a new toddler climbing frame and the old pathways will be reinstated as grass.

Ouzelwell Estate

Ouzelwell Estate has been designed for younger ones, giving them a safe and exciting space to explore close to home.

All existing equipment will be removed from the location and a new climbing frame will be installed for children aged 2-8 years. There will be new surfacing in place, and the benches and railings will remain in place to protect the children during play.

Park House Drive

Park House Drive is a small, underused play area located within a housing estate in Dewsbury South. Following an assessment of its condition and levels of use, a decision has been made to allow this space to return to nature. The play area has experienced significant deterioration over time and is no longer meeting community needs. To ensure resources are used effectively, the existing bench and litter bin will be relocated to the Lees Hall Road play area, where they will continue to provide value for local residents.

By upgrading these spaces, we aim to create healthy, active and enjoyable places for children of all ages and to strengthen the sense of community across the area.

Get involved

Please fill out this short survey here if you would like to make any comments.

Contact us