Farnworth park undergoing a transformation to preserve it

Farnworth Park is the oldest park in the borough, officially opened in 1864, a gift from Thomas Barnes to the people of Farnworth.

Now it is undergoing a transformation so it can be enjoyed by future generations.

Thomas Barnes was a local industrialist, politician and philanthropist and believed that people, especially children, should have access to clean air and nature within the urban sprawl and smog of Victorian Farnworth.

Farnworth Park is loved by the people of Farnworth and Kearsley and according to Cllr Sanders many childhood memories and family moments are associated with this special place.

Farnworth Park after works took place (Image: Paul Sanders)

The park saw a general decline in the last number of decades which is why Cllr Sanders alongside fellow Farnworth and Kearlsey First councillors decided to invest into the Grade II Listed Park with heritage improvements.

So far, the park has seen new benches, new wildlife, pathways, bins, urns, an investment of £40,000 in renovating the popular children’s play area and much more.

And more improvements are set to place as plans are being finalised to install Victorian-style stone columns at several park entrances.

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Cllr Sanders said: “I have been hugely passionate about Farnworth Park all my life - the history, the nostalgia, and the benefits that Thomas Barnes' has given us.

“I have many childhood memories of Farnworth Park and love creating new memories with our own children.

“It has been depressing seeing the park's decline and neglect over time.

“When I was elected to represent Farnworth, improving our park for all residents was one of my main priorities.

The new urns in Farnworth Park (Image: Paul Sanders)

“My fellow Farnworth and Kearlsey First councillor colleagues supported this important project and investment.

“Since 2019, there have been heritage improvements taking place.

“The Barnes Memorial and steps have been restored, and the famous long-missing Victorian urns replaced.

“The park has seen a complete suite of new benches and bins, key pathways have been resurfaced and cobbled paths re-laid, around 20 new trees and spring bulbs have been planted and there are plans being finalised to recreate Victorian-style stone columns at a number of park entrances including signage welcoming people to Farnworth Park.

“Farnworth and Kearlsey First invested £40,000 in renovating the extremely popular children's play area.

The benches before and after improvements (Image: Paul Sanders)

“We also supported the bowling committee with investment to help improve the Farnworth Park's famous circular bowling green.

“It is my hope that all of these improvements have a lasting legacy and encourage more residents to visit and use Farnworth Park.

“A place to have a stroll, to use for exercise or simply to sit and take time out - it's free and here for all ages to enjoy.

“I'd like to thank Council Officers for their support and work on this on-going project.”

For more background information on the historical park, go to https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001540?section=official-list-entry