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Great Harwood Memorial Park Unveils Improvements After Project Completion  

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Memorial Park, trees and flowerbeds in background

The Friends of Memorial Park, in partnership with Hyndburn Borough Council, The PROSPECTS Foundation, and Proffitts – Investing in Communities CIC, are thrilled to announce the successful completion of a major improvement project at Memorial Park in Great Harwood, following support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. 

 

Financial support also came from The Lancashire Environmental Fund and Hyndburn Borough Council and earlier this year Memorial Park was proudly awarded a green flag, the 11th in the Borough following a total of over £430,000 invested in the park over the last 18 months. 

 

Over the past year, the park has undergone significant enhancements aimed at revitalising this cherished community space and preserving its historical and environmental heritage. Key achievements of the project include: 

 

  • Restoration of the War Memorial: The memorial has been meticulously refurbished, including the restoration of names and structural repairs, honouring the local heroes who served.  
  • Installation of New Boundary Railings: Damaged railings have been replaced, enhancing both the safety and aesthetic appeal of the park.  
  • Path and Access Upgrades: Improved pathways and access points make the park more accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility challenges and a new nature trail with way markers installed.  
  • Extensive Conservation Work in Roundwood: Woodland management efforts included the removal of invasive species, planting of native wildflowers and bulbs, and the creation of a new forest school area.  
  • Installation of Bird and Bat Boxes: These new habitats support local wildlife.  
  • Community Artwork Displays: In collaboration with local artist Cath Ford, students from St. Bartholomew’s CE Primary School created artwork displayed throughout the park, reflecting its heritage and significance to the community.  
  • Free community events: a Picnic in the Park with live music and a series of nature walks with expert bird and bat watchers.  

Ian Wilkinson from the Friends of Memorial Park group commented:  

“Seeing the transformation of Memorial Park has been incredibly rewarding. This project was about more than just physical improvements; it was about bringing the community together and celebrating our shared heritage. We’re especially grateful to the children of St. Bartholomew’s for their inspiring artwork, which beautifully captures what the park means to all of us.”  Ian continued, “As part of the funding our group are thrilled that we have been able to create a brand new website, greatharwoodfomp.co.uk.  In addition to providing historical, environmental and event information, the site will contain numerous QR code links to enable interactive participation between the group and park users of all ages.” 

 

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Parks and Open Spaces at Hyndburn Borough Council, added: 

 

“The transformation of Memorial Park is an example of what can be achieved when local authorities, community groups, and residents collaborate. This project preserves an important part of our heritage and enhances the quality of life for everyone in Great Harwood. We’re proud to see the park become an even more vibrant and inclusive space for all to enjoy. Thank you National Lottery players for making this project possible.” 

 

 

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:  

“It is wonderful to see the completion of the Great Harwood Memorial Park project! Conserving public parks is important for the Heritage Fund as we are committed to promoting environmentally sustainable heritage for everyone to access. It’s thanks to National Lottery players that we were able to support this work that has preserved the heritage of Memorial Park while making it a welcoming space for local people and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”  

 

 

Residents are encouraged to visit the park and explore the new features and we would love to get your feedback after a park visit.  

 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GreatHarwoodFinalEvaluation  

 

 For more information about the project, please visit:  

https://www.proffittscic.com/community-projects/great-harwood-memorial/