Discover more about Ford Park Community Group
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.
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.
At the heart of the community.
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.
The Community Group.
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.
For more information on Ford Park Community Group, please call our Park Director, Sam Ronson, on 01229 580666.
Interested in volunteering with us?
Volunteers are the heart of Ford Park. If you're interested in finding out more about volunteering with us, please email moray.laxton@ford-park.org.uk