Peel Park

General information

Opened in August 1846, Peel Park was one of the first public parks to be opened in the country "for the enjoyment and recreation of the public... without charge or restriction."

It is named in honour of Sir Robert Peel, the former Prime Minister. The park has remained in the ownership of Salford City Council and over the years it has been extended to include David Lewis Playing Fields and The Meadow.

It currently features a play area, sports pitches and two sculptures near to the play area which form part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. Salford Museum and Art Gallery also sits within the park.

For over 150 years, Peel Park was the city park for Salford supporting band concerts, school sports and flower shows in addition to more usual recreations.

The park and its users were a favourite subject of LS Lowry. In recent years it has suffered from neglect and underuse but that is changing.

In June 2015 it was announced that a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for stage two of a Parks for People Grant was successful.

This followed over a year's development work in partnership with the friends of Peel Park and surrounding community.

The second stage bid was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund early March 2015.
The successful bid has secured £2.5 million to restore the park and provide a park keeper.The main work will include a complete overhaul of the footpaths, steps and new access ramp, a new playground, new and more seating provision within the park, interpretation which unfolds the history and stories associated with the park and new planting including the planting of a number of strategically positioned new trees.
During the work the park will be closed in phases to allow continued access. The riverside walkway along the parks eastern edge and the Meadow to the east will remain open throughout.