Sheffield Park

Sheffield Park enjoys a deep and rich history like few others. It was officially opened on 26 May, 1926 and is attended by over 6000 local residents.

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The land was donated to the council by Sir Berkeley Sheffield who transformed the site during the difficult times of the General Strike. Sir Sheffield observed a standing ovation on the day as he stated, “Sheffield Park is the realisation of a dream and a vision to provide a centre of pleasure and recreation to the people of Scunthorpe”.

Sheffield Park today is a great example of the council’s commitment to regeneration focussing primarily on all inclusivity and the environment. The park has undergone a 24 month period of phased improvement with its history and community at the fore. These improvements not only saw the park attain Green Flag status, the International Standard for excellence in Parks, but it was also a National Runner Up in the Keep Britain Tidy awards for working towards a better Environment.

Aerial view over Sheffield Park

Forma - sensory garden at Sheffield Park

Sheffield Park distance view towards play area

Various play areas at Sheffield Park

Aerial view of playground

Main features:

The park is located in a densely populated area of Scunthorpe Town, known fondly as the Industrial Garden Town of Scunthorpe. This diverse, mature, eco-friendly park comprises of approximately four hectares, with many interesting features interlaced by a network of meandering footpaths.

The boulevard and car-park has been re-surfaced to ensure safe mobility with disability friendly features incorporated to develop parks for all.

Today, the Park consists of: –

Network of hard surfaced footways
Children’s play area (toddler and junior)
Skate Park
Large grassed areas
Cycle Proficiency Scheme
Formal gardens/sensory garden
Nature walk (sponsored by the Local Hospice)
Wild-flower area
RSPB friendly area
Butterfly friendly zone
Parks furniture
A visit to see Scunthorpe’s wailing tree is worth the visit alone!

The park provides a historic, unique and safe environment for all age groups to enjoy its facilities.

The recent development of the park in terms of its horticultural richness, modernised play equipment, improved walkways and resurfacing has gained local publicity and has seen a significant increase in visitors and local praise for its nature offerings and green vistas.

The council works very closely with the local community, the local Sikh community and other partners to deliver a park fit for the area and one that grows into its community. Recent additions (Cycle Proficiency) is an extension of this commitment by building schools and education into park development.

The history of Sheffield Park

History of the park

Sheffield Park is one of the council’s greatest success stories.

It was opened in 1926 by Sir Berkeley Sheffield, who donated the land and said he hoped the park would be “a centre of pleasure and recreation”.

At the time it boasted a bowling green, tennis courts, and a bandstand. In later years it was to feature an aviary and a paddling pool.

However, the years and changing tastes in recreation took their toll and the park became a target for anti-social behaviour and vandalism until the council launched a comprehensive investment, improvement and engagement plan in 2020.

Bringing the local police, schools and councillors on board led to a series of action days which resulted in a boost in visitor numbers and a flood of volunteers.

One of the first projects was to restore the original iron entrance gates, followed by a children’s cycle area on an area of previously neglected hard-standing.

A Friends of Sheffield Park group was established and the park has received more than 300 hours of voluntary work. You can join the Friends of Sheffield Park group via their Facebook page.

A link up with Building Better Opportunities – an organisation that supports individuals who have barriers to employment – resulted in eight volunteers joining the Sheffield Park project.

The park now boasts the largest wildflower meadow planting of any park in North Lincolnshire, including innovative ‘bee corridors’ to attract pollinating insects.

It is also our first 100 per cent environmentally friendly park – all future planting has been grown by us or nearby schools, and we only use natural weedkilling techniques.

Plant and shrubs are grown ‘in-house’ with the addition of a poly-tunnel for Sheffield Park’s planting regime.

Other innovations include –

Developing a sensory garden in partnership with Lindsey Lodge Hospice
Developing a nature area using planting recommended by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Installing art and design features produced by North Lindsey College students
Working with Crosby Primary School on ‘bug areas’
Planting more than 60 trees with the help of volunteers, part of our pledge to plant 172,000 trees across the region
Ensuring the park is open to all, with disability-friendly parking and inclusive play equipment
New recreational equipment, including a skate park

The coveted Green Flag status was awarded in October 2021, and Sheffield Park continues to be a wonderful place for local people to enjoy.

Girl riding bicycle in park