Myrtle Park

Access

Visit AccessAble to find out about accessibility at Myrtle Park: https://www.accessable.co.uk/city-of-bradford-metropolitan-district-council/access-guides/myrtle-park  

Quick description

What’s there?

Covering a large area at the centre of Bingley, this Park is unique because it optimises and adapts its space to provide something for everyone in the community.

It offers ready-made fun for families looking for a quick trip to the park, with a skate ramp, play areas, and an aviary hosting entertaining Cockatiel birds.

But this large and beautiful Park is worth taking time to explore. That might be taking a stroll through the meadow, along the river, or simply pitching up for a picnic.

The Park is centred around bringing the community together – from the Tea Rooms to the regular events and activities organised by the Friends Group.

Tea Rooms

Tarquin’s Tea Rooms are located in the historic 100-year-old pavilion building. It serves fresh food, drinks, and ice cream.

Play Area

There are two play areas – one that provides equipment for younger visitors and a larger space for older children that includes a climbing frame leading to a slide and obstacle course.

Skate Park

Opened in 2009, it is located near the older children’s play area.

Tennis and Basketball courts

Well-maintained spaces that are free to use.

Festival of Britain bridge

Crossing the River Aire, this sturdy green tubular bridge allows walkers travel up the riverbank and towards St Ives Estate. An inscription on the bridge reads “Festival of Britain 1951″.

The Menagerie – Birds and Rabbits

Found on the left-hand side of the old Pavilion, where Tarquin’s Tea Rooms is located. The menagerie is made of an aviary hosting exotic Cockatiel birds and some rabbits.

Bandstand

Built in 1913 and has remained in that location ever since. Between the two wars it hosted weekly brass band concerts. Now, it provides a platform for ‘Music on the Bandstand’ concerts through the summer months.

War Memorial

The War Memorial is one of the main features at the top of the park. It’s well looked after and often surrounded by lovely flower beds. Every year during Remembrance Day a military parade takes place to honour the fallen local soldiers.

History

Myrtle Grove (later Bingley Town Hall)

Myrtle Park, originally the site of an old farmstead called Spring Head was bought by Johnson Atkinson Busfeild in 1767, and by 1770 he had built his house known as Myrtle Grove, later to become Bingley Town Hall.

In 1810, the house was bought by General Willian Twiss, a senior officer in the British Army responsible for the installation of many military defences, and activities throughout the world. He employed many gardeners at Myrtle Grove who were responsible for much of the layout as it is today. General Twiss had a reputation for being varied around Bingley in a sedan chair by two liveries footmen.

Following the death of Twiss, the house was rented to various persons. Alfred Sharp was a long-time tenant and bought the property in 1874 for £13,500. A second-generation worsted spinner and owner of Prospect Mills, he was a great benefactor to Bingley having subscribed to the Mechanics Institute, the Technical Institute and, along with this brother, paid half the costs of the building of Mornington Road, Methodist Church.

Myrtle Park

In 1908, Bingley Urban District Council purchased Myrtle Grove and Myrtle Place properties for £7,000, with the 27.5 acres to be used as a public park.

Timeline for additions to the park since 1908:

• 1913 – Cast iron bandstand
• 1920s – Bowling green and three hard tennis courts. A walled garden is replaced with the bowling green, clubhouse, aviary and café.
• 1921 – Cenotaph to commemorate those who dies in World War One.
• 1936 – A children’s paddling pool was built on the bottom meadow; the remains can still be seen by the river.
• 1940 – Lower meadow requisitioned for growing crops during the war.
• 1950s – Children’s playground near the bandstand and a second footbridge across the river to commemorate the Festival of Britain.
• 1966 – Under 5’s playground.
• 2008 – Children’s playground relocated and upgraded.
• 2009 – Skate park.

Bingley Music Live

Previously Music At Myrtle, Bingley Music Live featured headline performances by tribute acts and bands from the 1960s and 1970s. Following a partnership with the local radio station Pulse FM in 1998, the event evolved into a two-day festival that featured contemporary pop acts. This format continued for eight years.

Natural history

Myrtle Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, bats, badgers, foxes, rabbits, frogs, toads, grass snakes, slow worms, hedgehogs, and bats. The park also features a variety of wildflowers, trees, and shrubs that provide habitats for these animals. 

What’s on

Friends Group

Visit the Friends of Bradford District Parks page to find out more about the Friends of Myrtle Park.

Tea Rooms

Visit the Tea Rooms open seven days a week during the summer until Remembrance Day.

Clubs

Bingley & rural Men’s shed: http://www.bingleyruralmensshed.org.uk/

Events at Myrtle Park

• 

  Park run

  Parkrun at Myrtle Park

  Every Saturday Starts at 9am