Local assets
Across Kirklees, there are many ways, and many places, that people can be physically active. This can range from free and local opportunities to purpose-built sites. Here are some examples of what is on offer across Kirklees.
Kirklees benefits from some fantastic green open spaces that people can use and explore. From the Peak District National Park in the south of Kirklees, to the Greenway in North Kirklees, going for a walk and getting in touch with nature can be a fantastic way to move more. Kirklees has a varied green landscape which includes moorland, grasslands, recreational spaces and woodlands - providing citizens with opportunities to engage with nature in many different forms.
Kirklees benefits from both destination parks across the district to local parks within communities, all of which are free for people to access and enjoy. These parks are excellent spaces for all kinds of activities, and you can find out where your nearest local park is on our Community Directory
All parks in Kirklees hold various events and activities for people to get involved and active, ranging from 'growing' groups, 'friends of' groups, keep fit sessions and sports activities. Some of our parks also host the weekly Parkrun (Greenhead Park, Crow Nest Park, Oakwell Hall) or Junior Parkrun (Greenhead Park, Crow Nest Park, Tolson Park). Some of our parks also benefit from Lawn Tennis Association approved tennis court facilities which offer both paid and free sessions.
No matter our age, outdoor activities and play supports our social development, boosts our physical and mental health, and brings us closer to nature. Play, in its many different forms, is an essential element of helping children to have the best start in life and supporting people of all ages to live as well as possible, for as long as possible, by instilling lifelong habits of physical activity and wellbeing.
Kirklees has recreation grounds and play areas across the district, in the heart of the majority of its communities. These spaces offer vital space for both formal and informal activities to take place, whether that be kicking a ball about or taking part in formal sports activities through local football, rugby and cricket clubs. Kirklees also has over 300 children's play areas which encourage our younger generations and their families to get active and involved in physical activity.
For those lucky enough to have access to a private garden or an allotment, they can provide a safe space to be more active, whether that be through gardening or play.
Whilst care needs to be taken when using the streets, they can be used to support movement in several ways. From walking and /or jogging, to active travel (walking, cycling, wheeling to a destination), incorporating some activity into regular journeys can be an effective way of building more movement into your routine.
Schools play an important role in helping children to develop their movement skills. This is achieved through their delivery of PE lessons and the statutory function of primary schools to provide swimming lessons (delivered locally in partnership with Kirklees Active Leisure), as well as during play times. Some schools also offer before and after school clubs and support Bikeability training while others support the wider community by making their sites and facilities available for community use outside of usual school hours.
Kirklees has a thriving voluntary and community sector, including in community sports. Passionate volunteers and groups run a wide range of neighbourhood-based activities that help people of all ages connect, have fun, and stay active in ways that suit them. These activities include volunteer-led health walks, MAGIC (Movement and Games in Chairs) sessions, canoeing, petanque in the park, inclusive cycling with Streetbikes and walking football. Teams across the Council and local partners work closely with the community sector to help people connect to local activities, provide advice, and identify funding opportunities. This helps the sector to grow and have a greater impact in the district.
KAL manages the Council's public leisure facilities, offering gyms, fitness classes, swimming pools, sports halls, family attractions, athletics tracks, football pitches, and Bradley Park golf course. They also provide targeted support for people facing health challenges, including a cancer prehabilitation programme, an Exercise Referral Scheme for specific health conditions, First Steps to Fitness for those lacking confidence or returning to exercise, and Moving Mums-exercise classes for mums and mums-to-be. Additionally, there are a range of private and community providers offering access to gyms, fitness classes and many other kinds of activities across the whole of Kirklees.
