The revival of the Temple Newsam running track in Leeds marks a heartfelt community effort, fueled by a £15,000 grant and a crowdfunding campaign that has already raised over £13,000. With local clubs like Crossgates Harriers and St. Theresa’s Athletic Club leading the charge, this initiative aims to restore the historic track, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for leisure and sport since its establishment in 1954.
What is the significance of the Temple Newsam running track revival?
The revival of the Temple Newsam running track signifies a vibrant community effort to preserve cultural heritage and promote healthful living. A £15,000 grant has kickstarted crowdfunding efforts, engaging local clubs and volunteers to restore the track, enhancing leisure, sport, and communal spirit in Leeds.
Leisure and Sport: The Heartbeat of Temple Newsam
The old eight-lane running track at Temple Newsam, a heralded site with a history dating back to 1954, is on the cusp of a new era. In an initiative that exemplifies the spirit of community and sportsmanship, a £15,000 grant from the Movement Fund breathes new life into the project. This sum acts as a catalyst, setting off a chain reaction of support and enthusiasm that now cascades into a crowdfunding effort. Given the track’s legacy as the first of its kind for public use in Leeds, and its former glory as the Leeds City Athletic Club’s primary training ground until 1980, the refurbishment stands as a beacon of communal and historical pride.
Erosion and the relentless march of time have left the 400m circuit pockmarked with potholes and uneven stretches, rendering it a shadow of its former self. Yet, the resolve of Leeds City Council, coupled with the unwavering dedication of the local running community, aims to restore the track to its past distinction. This collaborative venture not only underscores the area’s commitment to leisure and sport but also marks a significant stride towards preserving the city’s cultural heritage.
Local running clubs, including Crossgates Harriers and St. Theresa’s Athletic Club, are at the forefront of this revival. Recognizing the track’s potential as a pivotal asset for runners, cyclists, and novices alike, these clubs have championed the cause. They have not merely advocated for the restoration but have actively contributed through volunteering efforts. These initiatives include the meticulous clearing of weeds and soil to pave the way for the upcoming resurfacing works.
Parks Estates: Crowdfunding A Legacy
The ambition for a full £30,000 refresh of the Temple Newsam running track is no small feat, and it is here that the story of community effort truly shines. Crowdfunding, a modern-day tool of collective investment, has played a pivotal role in bridging the financial gap. To date, the fervor of runners and their supporters has crystallized into a substantial sum of over £13,000, a testament to the community’s vested interest in the track’s future.
This is not merely a monetary transaction, but a symbolic gesture of the public’s commitment to local development and healthful living. The significance of such participation cannot be overstressed, for it is this very engagement that transforms the Temple Newsam track from a mere strip of tarmac into a symbol of collective ambition and cooperative spirit.
As spring looms on the horizon, bringing with it the promise of renewal, so too does the anticipation of the track’s revival grow. The continued fundraising efforts, coupled with the intrinsic value of volunteering days, sustain momentum. The community eagerly awaits the commencement of the resurfacing work, a physical manifestation of their collaborative spirit and resilience.
A Future Paved by Community and Council
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, serving as Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, encapsulates the essence of this collaborative effort. His words, “The Temple Newsam running track has a long history, and it is great to see how it is still valued by the local running community. Thanks to the Movement Fund and the crowdfunding, we’re now able to complete the much-needed works to make sure the track can be used once again,” resonate with the collective aspirations of all involved parties.
The shared vision between the authorities and the citizenry is a powerful dynamic, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. Leeds City Council’s support, through both staffing and equipment provision, has been integral to the preparatory stages. This partnership paves the way for a rejuvenated track that is not merely a facility but a landmark revitalized through shared effort and mutual support.
Richard Whitehouse, the secretary of Crossgates Harriers, expresses a sentiment that many hold dear: the excitement for the track’s restoration and the profound potential it harbors. “It has been great working with the council and local volunteers to get this far. We are really looking forward to seeing the track resurfaced in the Spring. Who knows? Perhaps the next Olympic champion will be from this community,” Whitehouse muses, a reflection of the optimism and enthusiasm that has fueled this project from its inception.
The Movement Fund, managed by Sport England and bolstered by The National Lottery, acts as a linchpin in this endeavor. Their support transcends the monetary; it is an investment in the community’s health, well-being, and future prospects.
Engagement with the project persists, and those seeking to contribute can do so through various avenues. For those inclined towards offering their time and energy, volunteering opportunities are available, which can be explored by contacting secretary.crossgatesharriers@gmail.com. Financial support is equally crucial, and donations towards this cause can be made at Crowdfunder UK – Temple Newsam Running Track Restoration.
As the project advances, the anticipation of the running community and local residents grows. Through the symbiosis of civic engagement, council support, and the benevolence of the wider public, the Temple Newsam running track is poised to emerge, not just refurbished, but reborn – a testament to the enduring spirit of Leeds.
ENDS
- The revival of the Temple Newsam running track in Leeds is a community-driven initiative supported by a £15,000 grant and over £13,000 raised through crowdfunding.
- Established in 1954, the track has a rich history, previously serving as the primary training ground for the Leeds City Athletic Club until 1980.
- Local clubs, including Crossgates Harriers and St. Theresa’s Athletic Club, are actively involved in the restoration efforts, contributing through volunteering and advocacy.
- The total goal for the track’s refurbishment is £30,000, highlighting the community’s commitment to preserving this historic site and promoting healthful living.
- The project is backed by Leeds City Council and the Movement Fund, emphasizing collaboration between local authorities and citizens for the benefit of community wellness.