Park Life: Word on the Street

Meet…

SUSAN AND STEVE from Colne

What brings you to the park today? 

We’ve just completed a scenic circular walk through the beautiful countryside surrounding Colne. Since we live just down the road, we decided to stroll back through the park and treat ourselves to a well-deserved coffee and cake. Steve is an offcumden, but I (Susan) grew up nearby and played bowls here as a teenager, so I have many fond memories of this place.

Any improvements? 

The tennis courts could use some improvement. It would be wonderful to add a pickleball court, especially for older people who frequent the park during the day. Pickleball is a popular sport in the U.S., and in Portugal where we live for half of the year, so introducing it to Colne would be fantastic.

Meet…

PAULINA from Colne

What brings you to the park today? 

I brought my dogs for a walk, and my daughter loves the playground. We’ve been coming here since she was a baby, and I cherish the memories of pushing her on the swing. It’s a special place for us.

Any improvements? 

It would be wonderful to have live music in the park during the summer, with bands performing. Overall, though, we love it here and enjoy spending time in the park.

Meet…

SHARON from Foulridge

What brings you to the park today? 

My daughter and I are here to walk the dogs and enjoy some food at the Pavilion Café. The café offers great food and is very dog-friendly. I have many fond memories here, as I’ve been bringing my dog since she was a puppy. Taking her around the park and meeting new faces was all part of her training. I’ve even ridden my horse through the park occasionally!

Any improvements? 

None at all. I can’t fault it. The park is quiet and well-kept, and the grounds always look lovely. We’ve had plenty of brilliant dog walks here.

Meet…

JIM AND ELIZABETH from Kelbrook and Colne

What brings you to the park today? 

Jim has come to visit me from Kelbrook, and we’ve brought the dogs for a walk. We often bring my granddaughter here to ride her bike. When she was younger, she loved riding around the flat area up there. Jim also comes here for scooter rallies.

Any improvements? 

A summer concert with music would be nice, though they would need to consider nearby residents. They had a band in Barnoldswick’s square, and it was excellent. Something similar here would be great. The park is lovely, very accessible, and there are plenty of benches to sit on while walking around.

Meet…

KIRSTY AND CHARLOTTE from Colne and Earby

What brings you to the park today? 

The crazy dogs! We’ve come to give them a walk. It’s fantastic to have such a lovely place nearby. I often bring my little boy along with the dogs, and it’s perfect for sunny days.

Any improvements? 

Many villages now host traditional fairs with stalls and music. It would be wonderful if we could have something like that here. The park is very well maintained, especially considering its size. No complaints from us!

Meet…

COURTNEY from Colne

What brings you to the park today? 

I’m working at the Pavilion Café, but when I’m off, I bring my son to the playground.

Any improvements? 

I think it’s great. They have the Gala with a fair, the fire brigade, and lots of activities for children, along with different food stalls. It would be nice to have stalls for more small local businesses, too. The bowls group next door is wonderful also. They do a lot of work with disabled people, making sure that disability, gender, or any differences don’t matter there.

ColneLife July/Aug 24