What's in the Park

For Children

For young children there are two playgrounds in the park. As well as these are some other climbing platforms behind the Lakeside Centre.

 

The Toddlers' Playground

The Childrens' Play Area to the left of the Lakeside Centre (as you face it) is for children up to the age of five. It was built with the help of the SureStart group.
 

The Other Playground

The Playground on the other side of the Lakeside Centre is for children up to the age of 9.

Sports and Activities

The area to the South of the lake is occasionally described as the teenage village. This is a little misleading as there is no upper limit on who is allowed to skateboard or play basketball. I'm not sure if the name even includes the bowling greens!

 

The BMX Track

The BMX Track is the most recent addition to the sports facilities in the park. It is open most of the time so anyon can turn up and have a go. You will need appropriate equipment as there are regulations regarding safety equipment etc.

The BMX track is generally open for community and public use but it is also regularly used by Manchester BMX for training and events.

Manchester BMX Website
 

The Skate Park

Platt Fields is lucky to have a great set of ramps which are regularly used by locals of all ages.
 

The Boating Lake

The lake is hard to miss. Squarely in the middle of the park, it is open for boating throughout the summer.
 

Basketball and Tennis Courts

There are two basketball courts. One is an older court. The other is part of a new complex, comprising of the basketball court and two tennis courts with fixed railing nets.

Exploring

There are various interesting features in the park. Here are a few to get you started.

 

The Lakeside Centre

The Lakeside Centre is the office for Manchester Leisure's Central Park Division and meeting space for the Friends (and other community groups). The offices may be contacted directly: 0161 224 2902
 

The Boathouse

The Boathouse has several different uses:

• The rowing boats and pedalos are stored here.
• It provides a workshop space for family activities in the park.
• It is the base for the Model Boat Club.

 

Platt Hall

Located in the North East corner of the park, Platt Hall is home to the Manchester Art Galleries Gallery of Costume. It houses an important collection of costumes and started refurbishment in March 2009 - it is due to re-open in April 2010. Built of brick in 1762-64 it is an interesting building in its own right.
 

The Shakespearean Garden

These beautifully sculpted gardens are designed to be from around the time of Shakespeare.

Tucked away in the south eastern corner of Platt Fields - known as "Ashfields" - even some regular visitors miss this area.
 

The Eco Arts Garden

These areas have been created by volunteers from Powwow Eco Arts. Follow the link to find out more about what they've done with the area.

Volunteers, placements and artists are welcome to help with the project - further details can be found on the news page.
 

The Nico Ditch

The Nico Ditch is one of the oldest features in the park and is part of a 5 mile defence. You can read more about it on the park history page.
 

Community Orchard

The orchard is located beside the park carpark and contains a huge range of fruit and nuts. Which ones can you find?
 

Cathedral Arch

Again, located in the Ashfields area of Platt Fields, the arch was previously part of the Manchester Cathedral knave stonework. It was installed at Manly Hall before being subsequently moved to Platt Fields.
 

The Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is in the North East of the park beside Platt Hall. It contains the Queen Elizabeth Coronation Fountain, which was presented to the city to in 1953 and was re-sited in the park from Piccadilly Gardens in 2002 by none other than the Friends of Platt Fields!