Corporation Park, Blackburn.
Corporation Park is a traditional Victorian Park that opened in 1857. Is it one of the main formal Parks in Blackburn, Lancashire. It is mainly used by local people for local recreation, walking and dog walking. The 44 acre park is within walking distance to Blackburn town centre in is just off one of the main arterial roads in Blackburn, Preston New Road. The grand entrance a grade II listed archway with 2 flanking lodges at either side. From this main entrance the landscape widens and rises 84 metres (276 ft) to its peak adjoining Revidge Road in the north.
Up the steep hill you come across a statue of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and of the season of Spring. As a relatively minor figure in Roman mythology, she is a symbol for nature and flowers.
The statue was presented to the park in 1871 by T. H. Fairhurst. Following the path round is a former reservoir that provided drinking water to Blackburn and is one of two lakes in the park. This then lead onto the vast open green area, playground and the widest part of the park known as the boardwalk. The boardwalk is flanked by trees and is over 500meters long.
Rising further up we come across the 'Colourfields' viewing point which was officially launched in 2006 and is the first in a series of landmarks called Panopticons (a project of the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network). This was on the site of an old battlement that formerly hosted two trophy Russian cannons. These cannons are from the Crimean War and was presented to the town by a former secretary of war. With the elevation of the park this viewing point allows long views over Blackburn and the West Pennine Moors.
With Flora, the Goddess of Spring been represented in the park it was only right there be sights of spring around the park. I came cross some snowdrops and some gorgeous purple crocus' which just cried out to be photographed.
Walking back down the westside of the Park, in the early spring sunshine, called for an Ice cream which we had making our way back down to the entrance where we saw the lake from a higher view point. To the left side of the main entrance is a memorial garden. It was originally designed as a memorial for people who lost their lives in the first world war but was later extended to also honour those who lost their lives in all wars.
The main feature of this garden is a bronze sculpture known as the Sacrifice or Mother England. Though I think Sacrifice s more appropriate.
This is a lovely park and a lovely walk though because of the elevation not sure its suitable for all, I struggled at points due to having plantar fasciitis in both feet. As stated earlier this is great place for dog walking, my grand pup Harley seemed to enjoy it.
As always, thank you for reading.
Other related blogs:
Kommentare