Rowntree Park

Rowntree Park was presented as a gift to the people of York by Joseph in 1921 as a memorial to the members of the Cocoa Works’ staff who fell in World War 1. In Joseph’s words this was to be a ‘quiet, restful memorial park’ rather than ‘another stone obelisk’. The architects were Fred Rowntree and W J Swain. The park was divided into formal and informal areas to reflect the Rowntree belief that facilities were available for all. The park is now owned and managed by York City Council and has an active group of supporters, who undertake much of the day to day maintenance – The Friends of Rowntree Park.