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*The Park*

"Sutton might be proud there is no other village in Yorkshire or in the rest of England, with a recreation ground so adapted to its
needs." *Sir John Horsfall: July 20th 1912.*


The land for Sutton-in-Craven Park was donated in three stages by the local mill owners, John William Hartley of Sutton Hall and James Bairstow JP of Springfield respectively.

The first bequest was made at the death, in 1909, of John William Hartley. He bequeathed to the Parish Council 4.527 acres of land known as Otter Holes along with a small garden near Black Bull Bridge to be used for a public recreation ground or park. In addition to the land, he also bequeathed £1000 for laying out and planting and a further £1000 to be invested to provide a maintenance fund for the Park.

In 1911 the Parish Council accepted the donation of a further 0.93 acres of adjoining land to the east (East Field) of the first area from James Bairstow JP, Chairman of the Parish Council. The stipulated use of this land was a recreation ground and playground, thus the second gift added an area specially for recreational facilities to the area devoted to ornamental planting, walks and traditional park uses. Finally in 1920 James Bairstow gave a further 1.08 acres of land adjoining the park in memory of the young men who had come through the Great War. This land, part of East Field and Higher Stone Haw, was also to be used as a recreation ground.

The park was officially opened by Mrs Bairstow, wife of one of the benefactors, James Bairstow J.P., on July 20th 1912.

Sutton Park can be described as a community park. It is widely used by many sectors of the community both from Sutton itself, and adjoining communities of the valley. This was the intention from the outset when it was reported in the Keighley News of 1912 that "the park makes a charming retreat and there is no doubt it will be taken full advantage of by the young and old, the healthy and the infirm of the neighbourhood."

It is used all year round by individuals and families, but is particularly popular on warm summer days. The park is additionally used by a number of organised groups most particularly the Bowling Club.

There are special local events at the park including sports day and a fun day, there is a Carol Service, Nativity at Christmas and a number of memorial events.

The park playing field is used by the two adjoining primary schools for games. School sports' days are held in the park and on warm days the park forms an open air extension to the classrooms. The Sutton Junior football teams use the park for practice and matches. Playgroups also use the park, pavilion and playground equipment.

The park is managed by the Parish Council and maintained by a levy on the rates.

The day to day maintenance of the park is the responsibility of the park keeper. He resides in the park lodge and amongst other duties is responsible for opening and shutting the park gates.

Sutton Park is a substantial area of open space in the heart of the village, acting as a strong focal point for all the community. Facilities include grassed areas for sport etc, a well-used bowling green, pavilion, a putting green, playground, a multi use games area and a boating lake. There are tree-lined walks, gardens, shelters, benches and toilets.

This space makes an important contribution to the character of Sutton.

The Parish Council would like to thank its staff for all their hard work and everyone who has been involved in helping preserve this facility and making it an excellent local amenity to be enjoyed by all.