The History of Philips Park

Philips Park was opened in 1846. It is named after Mark Philips who was the leader of the ‘Parks for the Citizens of Manchester’ campaign. It was the first public park in Manchester and it occupies thirty acres. In 1885 part of the park was given for use as extra cemetery space for the city.

Special features during the 1930’sand 40’s included a duck pond, a boating lake, a swimming pool, a sand pit, tennis courts, a childrens’ play park, two separate toilet blocks, a water fountain, two bowling greens, and the well-kept flower gardens.

The River Medlock, known as the Red River, flows through the park. The Ashton Canal runs alongside it.

The Park For the Future:
The Velodrome has been built adjacent to Philips Park and the new road Alan Turing Way passes the main gates. With the Commonwealth Games site opposite, it is vital that the park is not only maintained, but given a full upgrade. Wouldn’t it be lovely if the park could be like it was in years gone by?
Kathryn Bates.