About Us

We are the Friends of Halliwick Rec (FoHR), a group of local volunteers who are passionate about our community, our environment and our wellbeing. In 2020, we gathered together with the shared vision to help improve Halliwick Recreation Ground, also known as the Rec, so it could better serve the needs of all community members and Rec Users.

"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley

Our mission is to drive change for Halliwick Rec and make it universally accessible and enjoyable through donations, funding and by igniting volunteer help.

We are always looking for help and ideas from the community. If you would like to hear more about events and the campaigns we are running, including opportunities to participate in volunteer work, such as planting new trees or wild flowerbeds, then please join our mailing list to stay connected. 

The local community has shown great interest in improving Halliwick Rec. In 2020, we conducted a survey among residents to understand park usage and gather their priorities for changes. Rec users expressed their desire for better facilities for children, improved accessibility and lighting, re-surfaced tennis courts, and enhanced planting and seating. With the help of this data, FoHR has been able to work with experts to design solutions for the park.

We've listened closely to the community and collaborated with local talent and experts to develop an initial proposal for enhancing the Rec. To secure funding, we've divided our plans into two phases: Phase 1 focuses on foundational work, while Phase 2 aims to enhance the facilities. We've shared these plans at various events, including our campaign launch in Summer 2022, community consultation sessions, and the Coldfall Primary School Summer Fair in July 2023. By actively involving the community and regularly updating them on our progress, we aim to gather valuable feedback to ensure we're on the right track and that we remain aligned with the community's immediate needs.

Once the community and associated experts have validated the improvement proposals and project plans for the upgrade, we enter Stage Three. At this crucial phase, we reach out to governing bodies, grant holders, trust funds, and commercial businesses, seeking funding through application requests and presentations. Our goal is to secure the necessary resources to bring these plans to life and successfully deliver the work. By engaging with these organisations, we aim to generate the financial support needed to make our vision a reality. 

In Stage Four, we begin the exciting process of implementing and delivering the planned changes across two phases. We're incredibly grateful to have the backing of local Councillors, who have already taken proactive steps to explore potential funding sources as our campaign gains momentum. To fulfil the community's needs, our planning efforts have determined that approximately £500,000 of funding is required to bring Phase One and Phase Two plans to life over a three-year period. In the meantime, we warmly welcome all forms of support, including volunteering opportunities. Together, let's make a meaningful impact and create positive change for our community!