Green Flag Status for Wigan's Parks

As part of the evolving Parks strategy, Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust is focusing resources to improve local parks in conjunction with the local community to develop parks that are fit for purpose for the 21st century.

To help achieve this, we are developing the parks on a rolling program basis to enable us to apply for, and achieve, Green Flag status. The following parks were awarded a Green Flag in 2011/12:

Pennington Hall Park
The park was presented to Leigh Corporation by local brewers Messer’s George Shaw and Company Limited.

The floral opening of the park took place on Saturday 28th August 1920. The Mayor, who was presented with a golden key on the occasion, officially opened the hall. The hall was used as a museum and art gallery. The grounds were adapted from the gardens of the hall and the work was carried out under an unemployment relief scheme.

The earliest records of a hall on the site are from 1200’s when it was owned by the Pennington family; the last hall was demolished in 1963 when it was found to have dry rot. There are many links between the park and Leigh’s rich heritage, we are planning a feature in the park that will encourage you to investigate those links.

The park is now managed by Wigan leisure and Culture Trust on behalf of Wigan Council. There is a five year management plan to update the facilities in the park.

Friends of Pennington Hall Park
The ‘Friends of Pennington Hall Park’ are an important partner in the future of the park. Their role is to make sure that the park provides for the needs of the local community. If you would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you – everyone is welcome. Various events are held throughout the year including band concerts, crown green bowling tuition, health walks, tai chi and environmental activities with the ranger.

Information about the day-to-day management of the park, events and activities and how to join the Friends group can be obtained from the Parks Activities Team on 01942 766708.

Travel Information
The car park is at the top of Pennington Avenue.

Car: From Leigh town centre take the A572 south. The park is situated less than half a mile on the right hand side. The car park is at the end of Pennington Avenue, signposted immediately on the right before the zebra crossing.
From A580 take A579 to the first set of traffic lights turn right at lights towards Leigh. The park is situated less than a quarter of a mile on the left hand side. The car park is at the end of Pennington Avenue, signposted immediately left after the zebra crossing.
Bus: From Leigh Bus Station 596 to Chestnut Avenue/St Helens Road
Disabled Access: There are three disabled persons car parking places, a RADAR key accessible toilet, most of the paths are well surfaced and fairly level.

Address: Pennington Hall Park, St Helens Road, Leigh WN7 3RU
Park Ranger Office: 01942 766708
Out of Hours Emergencies: 01942 404040

Alexandra Park
The fifteen acres on which Alexandra Park is laid out, were given by Colonel Hollinshead Blundell, MP for Ince, and the landowner/proprietor of Pemberton Collieries.

An extra one thousand square yards, needed to make the shape of the park symmetrical, were donated by Lord Ellesmere. The park was opened by Colonel Blundell in April 1903. When the Colonel died three years later a monument to him was erected in the park. The monument was unveiled in October 1907.

The Wigan Observer of 22nd October 1907 gave a description of the monument: “The monument was described as an obelisk of polished blue pearl granite with steps of unpolished granite. Drinking fountains were provided in connection therewith, with bronzed lion heads, and at the lower part of the obelisk is a medallion portrait of the gallant colonel, this being a striking likeness.”

The obelisk stands approximately eighteen feet high. The sculptor was J F Millson of Manchester and the cost was £460, paid for by public subscription.

In 1921 the opening of the new bowling green was brought forward to provide recreation for local miners who had been locked out in an industrial dispute.

In 1929 an additional two acres were added to the park. By 1950 it contained two bowling greens, eight tennis courts, a putting green and a children’s playground. Major alterations took place in 1988, notably the removal of hedgerow borders to create a more natural open space in keeping with modern tastes.

The park is now managed by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust on behalf of Wigan Council. There is a five year Management Plan to update the facilities in the park.

Friends of Alexandra Park
The “Friends of Alexandra Park” are an important partner in the future of the park. Their role is to make sure that the park provides for the needs of the local community. If you would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you – everyone is welcome.

Information about day to day management of the park, events and activities and how to join the Friends Group can be obtained from the Parks Activities Team on 01942 245369.

Travel Information
The car park is adjacent to the main park gates off Warrington Road and has three disabled bays.

Car: From M6 J26 turn right on to Orrell Road/Ormskirk Road A577 heading for Wigan town centre. Upon entering Pemberton turn right on to Enfield Street continue to the end. Turn left on to Billinge Road/Victoria Street A571, Alexandra Park is your left.
Bus: 326, 352, 362, 385, 395, 621, 627, 638, 637, X80 stop along Ormskirk Road.
Routes 6231, 632 stop along Victoria Street.
Train: Wigan Central Station and Wigan Northern Line is situated in Wigan town centre approximately one mile away from the east of the site. Pemberton Station is situated to the west also within one mile.
Foot: Alexandra Park provides a doorstop provision for the community in Newton. It is also a short ten/fifteen minute walk from Worsley Mesnes North, Norley East, Worsley Hall North and Worsley Hall.

Address
Alexandra Park, Warrington Road, Newton, Wigan
Park Ranger Office : 01942 245369
Out of Hours Emergencies : 01942 404040

All Year Round
Various events are held throughout the year including physical based activities such as football, rounders, netball, basketball, boxercise, dance, BMX bikes and skate boarding. The Trust Play Team organise events for children whilst the ranger provides environmental based activities. More sedate events include Tai Chi and bowls tuition. Every year the local St Marks Church organise the ‘Party in the Park’, an event aimed a local young people and family groups and attracting well over 2000 people.