A gift to the people of Oakworth
The land which forms Holden Park was formerly part of the private estate of Sir Isaac Holden, Baronet. Thirty five years after his death and long after the fire which resulted in the demolition of almost all of Oakworth House, his grandson, Francis Holden Illingworth made a gift of the land to the people of Oakworth, under the administration of Oakworth Council. This council was later taken over by Keighley Town Council which was later taken over by Bradford Council who are the present landowners.
On Saturday 23rd May 1925, the park was christened with the name Holden Park and declared open. Two plaques commemorating this event are fixed to the stone gateposts either side of the main entrance on Colne Road.
Here is an account of the event, which apeared in the Keighley News the following week:
Keighley News dated Saturday 30th May 1925
Changed Opinions at Oakworth
From some of the remarks dropped at the Holden Park opening ceremonies last Saturday, it would appear that even Oakworth has not been altogether free from the Worth Valley spirit of contentiousness and opposition in connection with its latest provision for the public weal. Mr Waterhouse recalled the objections that were raised in one or two quarters when a recreation-ground scheme was first mooted, but was able to add that those who had begun by expressing doubts and crtiticisms have ended by giving their whole-hearted support to the movement and frankly acknowledging the beauty and value of the place that has been provided. The Mayor of Keighley, who, in the days when the Oakworth Council was faced with a certain amount of opposition, encouraged Mr Waterhouse and the Council members to "push on" with their scheme, complimented on Saturday those Oakworth people who have thought better of the proposal, and remarked that, surely, to-day people should not begrudge spending a little money on things that are going to be for the benefit of the children. It may be asserted with confidence that practically no one in Oakworth to-day questions the wisdom of the decision that was taken to "push on" with the project, but that all are delighted with the splendid result of the effort made to meet the recreational needs of the village.
Park Opening Congratulations
Saturday's opening was indeed an occasion of all-round congratulations. Everyone was delighted with the appearance of the park, and no one was more congratulatory in referring to the way in which the site has been laid out and utilised than Mr Francis Holden Illingworth, to whose generosity in making a free gift of the ground Oakworth is chiefly indebted for the present realisation of a long-cherished desire. The Oakworth people manifested their appreciation on Saturday, not only of the gift but also of the manner in which Mr. and Mrs. Illingworth have shown their interest by coming over for what may fairly be termed the christening, as well as the opening, ceremony in connection with the park. There is no question that they will respect the wish of the donor of the site that his grandfather's name may be permanently associated with this latest addition to the amenities of the village, and they will look forward with interest to the erection of the memorial which he has offered to put up in the grounds to the "grand old man" who did so much for Oakworth, as well as for the general industrial development of his country. Sir Isaac Holden's name is little likely to be forgotten in Oakworth in any case. But the Holden Park will be an additional reminder of his interest in the village, and of the fine spirit which characterised him throughout his long and strenuous career.