Opportunities in Hanley Park

Would your group or organisation like to hear a presentation about Hanley Park (including its history, restoration, events and ways in which you can become involved? If so, contact Claire Studman, park liaison officer.

Share your passion by volunteering in our park

Volunteers make a real difference to the park, helping it to feel ‘cared for’ and bringing it to life for visitors. They also offer attention to detail and are in a great position to focus on projects not always covered by routine maintenance activity. We want Hanley Park to reflect local people’s passion and energy for their community.

If you would like to become actively involved in Hanley Park – we have several volunteer opportunities that may be of interest to you.

Gardening volunteers 
This role is especially focused on opportunities for gardening in both the historic formal areas of the park, and in a new wildlife garden area being developed by the Friends of Hanley Park, our resident community group (which all are welcome to join).

The role will also include some other projects and activities geared towards improving the park. These may include litter picks, graffiti removal, and removing waste in areas where it has accumulated.

We especially have spaces for a Thursday afternoon group – 1pm to 4pm. Alternatively, there are a couple of spaces available with our Tuesday group – 10.30am to 3pm.

Activities and learning volunteer 
The purpose of this role is to promote Hanley Park to the local community (specifically focussing on families, women, older people, people with disabilities and young people) by helping us to offer a range of hands-on activities and learning resources throughout the year.

Many activities will take place in the park, but there will also be opportunities to get involved with outreach projects at different venues. There is lots of flexibility, as there is the opportunity both to help deliver activities to a ‘live’ audience, and devise trails and activities than can be accessed independently.

Opportunities are flexible to suit you, although many activities will take place in the school holidays and at weekends. You’ll also need to allow for preparation and planning time in some cases.

Normally we would ask you to commit a few hours per month, although this will depend on the projects you want to be involved in, and we will normally ask that you make a commitment a number of weeks in advance.

If you are interested in volunteering please get in touch with Claire Studman, park liaison officer.

Restoration update

Following the installation of the new football pitch, many people are enjoying using it. In the new year, there will be a system in place for groups to book the pitch during day time hours. In the early evening, from 6.30pm the pitch will be available for community use on a first-come basis.

In the last month or so, many of the paths have been repaired and tarmacked. As we are now well into autumn, the park keepers have their work cut out, clearing the paths (and other areas of leaves). Our gardening volunteers have also been helping with leaf removal.

For all the latest on the restoration as it happens follow us on Facebook

Events and activities

We had a good turnout for our Halloween half-term activities last week. However, we are now entering a quieter period of the year for events.

Here are some of theregular activities in the park you may like to join in November:

Park Run

Every Saturday, 9am: enjoy a 5km run – it’s you against the clock. Click here to find out more on the Park Run website

Closer to Home Walks

Click here to go to the Closer to Home walking network website

Monday

• Circular health walk around Hanley Park and the canal side. Every Monday at 2pm. Meet at Shelton Primary Care Centre, Norfolk Street, ST1 4PB. We meet in the reception area, to the left of the doors. A canalside walk, taking in the renovated park. Call Geoff on 07947 612885.

Wednesday

• Every Wednesday at 12.45pm. A gentle community walk around the local area, which has a small nature reserve. Refreshments at the community centre afterwards. Meet at Joiner's Square Community Centre, Cornes St., ST1 3JA

Wednesday

Click here to go to Staffordshire University midweek mile webpage

• The Midweek Mile takes place in Hanley Park every Wednesday, leaving from the Brindley Building foyer at 12pm, or meeting at the Boughey Road park entrance at 12.05pm. It is open to everyone, so stroll over and join in.