DEWSBURY will host a nine-day summer festival to promote outdoor pursuits in the area.
A triathlon, boat trips and family picnics are just some of the activities planned for Outdoor Dewsbury.
The festival is part of bigger plans to improve access to green spaces in the town which could see Sands Lane playing fields redeveloped.
D
ewsbury area committee has commissioned a £7,000 feasibility study into the recreation, education and wildlife conservation potential of the site.
Coun Paul Kane (Dews East, Lab), chairman of Dewsbury Regeneration Board, said work was in the very early stages but a visitor centre was a possibility.
"There's all sorts of options for us there," he said. "It's all about getting these ideas on the table.
"We're looking at attracting probably at least £500,000 in investment if we can make it work and put these initiatives together."
The study and site management plan, due to be finished in September, will compliment another study into linking redundant railway lines to the Spen Valley Greenway.
Meanwhile, the area committee gave £10,000 towards the Outdoor Dewsbury festival to be held in late July or August.
A triathlon, teddy bear's picnics, narrow boats trips and talks by mountaineering experts are planned.
Other activities include wildlife and local history walks, wheelchair accessible walks, orienteering, canoeing, and abseiling and rocking climbing on portable walls.
Kirklees Council has also backed the event by promising the necessary equipment and staff time – equivalent to £50,000 – for no extra fee.
