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Foundation News

Monk Bretton Park is looking its best thanks to some very good friends

5th September 2012

THANKS to the efforts of one determined group of volunteers, Monk Bretton Park in Barnsley has been transformed into a safe and sociable green space for everyone in the local community to happily use.

From uncertain beginnings in 2007, the Friends of Monk Bretton Park group has helped regenerate the once neglected park into a thriving community space, made possible by the hard work of local community volunteers and with the aid of Fair Share Trust funding from South Yorkshire Community Foundation.

The benefits of this culmination of effort has been incredible with not only the park receiving a fresh look thanks to wide scale regeneration, but it is also quickly becoming a popular community space for social events such as 'Brass on the Grass' which has had great success, pulling in an audience of around 350 each time.

   
Photo by Clive Pickering

The groups hard work continues on however for Monk Bretton Park as they strive to make more improvements and fight against vandalism which still unfortunately occurs.

Chairman of the group, June Rolfe said:
"Monk Bretton Park was a neglected, depressing place visited by only a few dog walkers and local youths intent on drinking or vandalism. It is now more colourful and interesting, attracting many more people such as families with young children and older people taking a stroll.

"It is very encouraging that I have received favourable comments about the park from local residents. One telephoned me to say how much she enjoyed walking through the park on her way to the library and was amazed at the improvements that had been made."

Photo by Clive Pickering

The continued efforts of the Friends of Monk Bretton Park group has brought life back to a space that is now safe and friendly for everyone to use and most of all a place to bring a community together.