Parks and Platt Fields
Parks used to be known as 'the lungs of the city' and were utilised widely. In decline for many years due to poor funding and the rise of the conception of danger, parks are still vastly underused. However recently the park has once more begun to thrive thanks to the energy of local organisations and especially the passion of our Friends group.Situated between Fallowfield and Rusholme and dating back to 1908, Platt Fields is one of Manchester's principal parks. In the heart of inner city Manchester, it serves a very large concentration of people living less than 15 minutes away- the sole open-air community space that is shared by all communities. The park is still seen as belonging to all and is used by all. There are over 43 languages spoken round the park!
The park has a variety of landscapes including: a large central boating lake, rich with birdlife; wooded glades; hilly areas; the old and forgotten ‘Nico Ditch’ (of outstanding historical interest); varied sports facilities; a popular skateboarders arena; a bowling green; 2 children’s play areas; a developing Eco-Art garden, a Shakespearean Garden and a costume museum. The Central division of Manchester Leisure has an office there; there is also a boathouse and two tiny bowling huts. Until January 2006 there was a tennis pavilion, built in 1926, which had been derelict for several years, pending Social Services Dept converting it for use by disabled children.
The park has a long, colourful and fascinating history, as a 'people's park'. Bought by the Corporation, after a huge local campaign, it was landscaped and created by the working (and unemployed) people of the area.
History of the Park >>
It is still home to the original manor house- Platt Hall, now a listed building.
The park used to have a thriving Pets Corner and Animal Park, a children’s playground, a café and vibrant herbaceous borders and rose gardens, which many of the locals still recall with fondness.