Following a council announcement to sell Ford Park, the charity came together to rent the land and develop plans for its restoration, before eventually securing a loan from the Architectural Heritage Fund to buy Ford Park from the council in 2005.

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More recently, a sale of an acre of the park means that we are now debt free, working to secure a sustainable future – and continuing to offer so much more than just a park.

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At the heart of the community.

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Ford Park is part of Ulverston’s history, with many fondly remembering school days at Ford Park – with home economics, art and chemistry, as well as motor mechanics and pig husbandry, all taught on site.

 

Today, the fields of Ford Park are much-loved by all ages – hosting major events such as the Lantern Festival, Ulverston Carnival – and being used on a daily basis by families and friends for picnics and play time, a meeting place for dog walkers and those wanting to enjoy a stroll around the nature trails.

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The Community Group.

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Made up of trustees, members, volunteers and supporters, Ford Park Community Group continues to develop the park for future generations.

 

Grant-funding has seen the Coach House building developed, providing a popular restaurant, with a well-used first-floor function room, and the charity’s head office living in the historic building.

 

The large walled Victorian Kitchen Garden has been restored to its former glory, thanks to a Local Food grant from the Big Lottery. Working with our gardener, our volunteers help to maintain the garden, alongside the wider grounds of the park.

Currently, the Community Group employs a Park Director, Gardener, Administration Officer, Volunteer Team Leader, Park Maintenance Officer and a Grants, Trust and Fundraising Officer.

The dining premises are now leased to local chef Mark Satterthwaite, who runs Base, a contemporary restaurant offering both a daytime and evening menu.

 

Once a year, we hold an AGM at Ford Park to share updates on how developments are going and our visions and plans for the future – everyone is welcome to attend.

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For more information on Ford Park Community Group, please call our Park Director, Sam Ronson, on 01229 580666.