Who are the Friends of Jacob Smith Park?
The Friends of Jacob Smith Park (FoJSP) are a Community Interest Group which was formed in 2008, shortly after JSP opened to the public.
FoJSP is run by a committee who provide the link between the community and North Yorkshire Council (NYC). See our recent projects.
The committee are all volunteers and are generously supported by a wider network of enthusiastic volunteers from the local community who support work and projects in the park.
FoJSP work closely with NYC, which now owns the park and is responsible for its upkeep, e.g. cutting grass, maintaining the perimeter wall and managing the trees.
What does FoJSP do?
Represent the interests of the local community and park users in relation to the park
Agree priorities with NYC and help to deliver the yearly plan for the park
Fundraising for agreed improvements to the park outside the council's responsibility
Arrange volunteering events to carry out agreed enhancements
Hold public meetings twice a year to share progress and gather views on upcoming priorities
Recent Projects
A selection of the projects we've delivered in the park over the years.
Benches
Raised funds and managed the purchase and installation of seven new oak benches across the park.
Bat & bird boxes
Installed a variety of boxes to encourage owls, robins, nuthatches, bats and many more species to nest.
Himalayan balsam control
Over three years, reduced this invasive species to a manageable level, allowing native plants to recover.
Information board
Installed a board near the entrance covering the park's history and a summary of its habitats and wildlife.
Trees
Planted over 300 trees to create extra woodland habitat throughout the park.
Wildflowers
Cleared dozens of areas and planted hundreds of native wildflowers to support insects and other wildlife.
Shrubs
Planted over 200 shrubs providing cover, nectar, fruit for birds and colour across the seasons.
Talks
Arranged expert talks on wildflower meadows, bees, astronomy, dog training, and the benefits of green spaces.
Ponds
Worked with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to renovate two dried-out wildlife ponds and restore habitat for great crested newts.
Fences
Supported the replacement of broken fences around veteran trees to protect their root systems.
FoJSP Committee
The FoJSP Committee is a relaxed and friendly group which meets a few times a year to agree priorities and manage the enhancements to the park.
Phil Millward
Chair
Karen Millward
Secretary
Carole Dobson
Treasurer
Committee Members
- Julia Hatch
- Shirelle Hawkins (NYC)
- Hilary Hopkinson
How you can help
There are several ways to get involved and support the park — every contribution makes a difference.