Friends of Pontefract Park is a community group of volunteers who are dedicated to improving Pontefract Park which is managed and maintained by Wakefield Council and Pontefract Racecourse Company. Friends do not receive automatic funding from the Council but we are able to apply to the Council for grants from the Council's Neighbourhood Improvement Fund, Local Capital Fund and Community Development Fund. We also receive donations from time to time, specifically collection days at the Racecourse and our summer event, Picnic in the Park held in August.
We have installed a number of benches and picnic tables in the park with grants obtained from Wakefield District Housing Community Fund and the Council's Neighbourhood Improvement Fund.
We have planted daffodil and crocus bulbs every autumn for several years.
We plant and maintain two flower beds near to the Park entrance.
The rowboat planters were removed as part of the renovation of the lakeside which was carried out in early 2025. We have replaced them with three raised beds at the lakeside and two on the path leading to the Racecourse crossing and playground. They are constructed with sleepers and being raised from the ground will not be grazed by the waterfowl; which was why it was necessary to put fencing round the rowboats. They will all be planted with perrenials for easier maintenance.
Picnic in the Park is a family fun day we held every August, although unfortunately it hasn't taken place since 2022 due to our depleted membership and too few volunteers to organise and manage the event.
