Way back in the 1960s and ‘70s there was a plan to build a dual carriageway through Heeley: families were moved out and houses, pubs and businesses were demolished to make way. For various reasons, including public pressure, plans were shelved, and the land our park occupies lay derelict and disowned for years. In the mid 1990s a local group came together to protect the interests of the community and to transform this unloved corner of Sheffield. What was originally ‘Heeley Millennium Park’ was born, and it grew and grew…
Today, the park gives Heeley residents and visitors six distinct sites and a range of spaces and activities that make it like a mini Peak District on the doorstep: two world-class boulders, cycle tracks, picnic and play areas, incredible views, wildflower meadows and orchards. The park’s trees help clean our air, we have places to escape, meet and play; the space is also home to thousands of wildlife and bird species. What’s most special is that it is all ours: Heeley People’s Park is the largest community run park in the country. It’s not paid for or managed by the council, but by the people and businesses who live here and love it. Hence the name – this is a park of and for the people!
So it relies on the help and support of the community it serves. That means that between us we have to raise £45,000 each year just to pay our parkies and to keep the park going. And to keep going is great, but we want to do more than that…we have plans to create more spaces and places to love – permanent stages, new boulders, more planting and seating and play equipment. Just 20p per week from every household in the area covers the basics – the more we all give the more we’ll all get back. So Heeley People’s Park needs your help. Without that, it simply ceases to exist.
Lots of other communities are taking on the running of their parks, as local authorities across the country release land they can’t afford to maintain. The Heeley People’s Park project is one of the first in the country, pioneering ways of sustaining a local park with the help of local people and business. We’re working with Nesta, the national innovation organisation, to look at ways to do this, and other communities are watching us to see how we do (we’ve had visitors from Denmark and Japan for a nosey!) We want to see Heeley People’s Park thrive, but we can’t help wanting to show the world what we’re made of too – a neighbourhood that loves its park!
Heeley People's Park
Donate today and make the difference!
Heeley People’s Park relies on the kindness of the community. We need to raise at least £45,000 a year – much more if we want to make improvements to our park.
By donating, you are a vital part of it – a proper Heeley People’s Parker! It’s easy to give, and here’s what you’ll get:
• a regular gift helps us to plan the future of the park and to put those plans into action – you’ll see those changes coming to life!
• those improvements are all designed to enhance your experience of the park – from the café and toilets to bigger, better festivals and events.
• when funds allow, we’ll create a piece of public art to name and thank our supporters.
• we’ll develop more benefits for regular donors in time.
• a warm glow! A little bit of that beautiful space is all down to you…
Giving is easy and secure – you can choose the amount you give and how regularly, and can choose to GiftAid your donation too if you are a UK taxpayer.
Heeley People’s Park is now offering volunteer opportunities for corporate businesses. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience hosting these sessions and we would love to hear from you. If you would like to find out our rates or just speak to us about availability, please contact Parks at: heeleypeoplespark@heeleydevtrust.com
https://www.heeleypeoplespark.co.uk
Contact: 0114 2500613
General Enquiries : info@heeleydevtrust.com
Volunteering: heeleypeoplespark@heeleydevtrust.com
Location: View Road, S2 3DJ