We’re excited to share some wonderful news about our accessible mosaic trail. We’ve recently added two beautiful mosaics at Western Flatts Cliff Park and Golden Acre Park.
The concept is simple yet impactful: families select an accessible place in Leeds that holds special significance to them, and with the guidance of Mary, they will design a picture that reflects both their own story and the essence of the chosen location. These designs will then be transformed into beautiful mosaic artworks.
Let’s take a closer look at these new additions and hear from the parents who helped bring them to life.
Western Flatts Cliff Park
A family friendly community park with lots of different sport and physical activity options to get active; and a rose garden to kick back and relax in. Located a couple of miles south-west of Leeds city centre. The park covers 14- hectares, and is a mixture of hilly and flat terrain.
At the centre of Cliff Park’s history is Cliff House, also know as Western Flatts House a grade II protected building. Built in 1846 for a wealthy man called Joseph Cliff; notable features of the villa include a luxurious staircase and mosaic floor. Apparently, under the floor is a resting place of a famous racing horse.
By 1902 the land and the house had been gifted to the City of Leeds, and the recreation ground was born. This was soon to become our Western Flatts Cliff Park. From the 1960s to just before the millennium the house was a community special school. As of the 2000s the house has returned to private ownership, but unfortunately was seriously damaged resulting from an arson attack in 2017.
This lovely mosaic was designed by Elliot Dyson and compliments the beautiful walled Rose Garden where it is currently displayed.
Mum, Kristy Dyson shares; “We were so excited to be involved in this project to showcase inclusion across Leeds. This was timed perfectly with the opening of a new playground at Western Flatts Cliff Park with inclusive play equipment including swings, a wheelchair accessible roundabout and accessible picnic benches. We love to visit the park and hope that it encourages other families to come and see how they are trying to create a vibrant community space. There are some fantastic facilities including a bowling green, tennis and basketball courts, football pitches and a community orchard with accessible raised beds. There are some lovely paved walks around the park which are wheelchair accessible and some fantastic views across Leeds, where you can sit and take a moment to enjoy. It really is a gem for anyone who has not visited this park before and I hope others can see the brilliant area in its glory.”
Watch out for lots of fantastic community events too which can be found at: https://fowfcp.org >
Golden Acre Park
Golden Acre Park is a public park in Bramhope, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, administered by Leeds City Council. Golden Acre Park is an incredible 179 acres of mature woodlands and gardens surrounding a beautiful lake. Set between Leeds popular northern suburbs Adel and Bramhope. Golden Acre Park comes alive with nature’s vibrant colours throughout the spring and autumn.
This design was by Molly. The original photo shows the ducks on the pond, and Molly and sister Beth stood watching them, with Beth in her wheelchair.
Mum says “Golden Acre is brilliant as it is accessible and has a Changing Places toilet now. The girls have always loved going for a walk here as Beth can join in feeding the ducks too and we can all enjoy a family walk together.”
Website:
https://goldenacrepark.co.uk >
You can view all our current mosaics and where we plan to add them on this page: https://www.littlehiccups.co.uk/mosaic-trail >
Interesting in being involved in the project? Or have a question? Or have you seen damage to one of the mosaics?
