Friends of Congleton Park
Congleton Park, a gem nestled in the vibrant market town of Congleton, cradled by the meandering River Dane and the ancient Park Wood. The Friends of Congleton Park (FoCP), are a passionate assembly of volunteers, dedicated to nurturing and transforming this haven, ensuring it thrives for generations to come. Welcome to our journey; welcome to our website.
Get In Touch
What’s On in the Park?
Discover award-winning floral displays, enchanting woodland paths, vibrant play areas, a café, and an array of events. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy!
History
Congleton Park was officially opened in 1871, find out more about the rich history.
Get Involved
The Friends welcome new members, and new ideas, find out how to get involved.
Events
View the lineup of events in the Park through the summer months.
Biodiversity
The Park is a haven for wildlife, find out how we are encouraging biodivsersity.
Who Are The Friends of Congleton Park (FoCP)?
The Friends of Congleton Park are a constituted group, formed in 2005, which aims to promote the use and awareness of the Park for the enjoyment of the public, in partnership with Cheshire East Council, and Congleton Town Council under the Guidance and support of the Park Manager (StreetScape). The Group may act as a consultative body on the Park’s developments, fund raise, and organise and support events. This body is also referred to as FoCP within this website, and in general.
Park Highlights
Explore more features of Congleton Park. Thanks to local Photographer Ben Savill for the seasonal shots of the Victorian Bandstand.
“Best kept park I’ve ever seen, great for kids, dogs and cyclists“
Also some fab rugby, and well used bowling green. We are very lucky to live so close to this park. Oh, not forgetting the pavilion!
“Lovely park. Plenty of open space for ball games and running about. “
Lush woodland area surrounding the park. The flowers and trees are well looked after. There is a river running alongside the park. There is a lovely sculptured seating area near the enclosed children’s swings that is stunning.
“We love our park and always looking for ways to improve it.”
It’s important we celebrate & preserve it for the whole community to enjoy it!
Green spaces are the heart of every community.
They are used by millions and treasured by young and old alike. Research shows there is a clear link between our proximity to quality green spaces and our mental and physical well-being, even in urban areas. Everybody, no matter where they live, deserves to have an attractive park or green place nearby.
The Friends of Congleton Park will continue to work closely with Congleton Town Council’s Streetscape Team, Ansa and Cheshire East Council to implement the management and development plan ensuring the park retains the high standards that have enabled it to win many different awards in the last few years.
Congleton Park awarded the coveted Green Flag Award – 17th Consecutive Year!
The Friends of Congleton Park and Congleton Town Council are extremely proud that the town park has gained its 17th consecutive Green Flag and third Green Heritage award.
Commenting on the news, Streetscape’s Development Manager, Ruth Burgess said: “We are delighted that Congleton Park continues to be officially recognised as one of the country’s best parks. The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. A massive thanks to the ‘Friends’ and all the Congleton Town Council Streetscape Staff who have maintained the park during difficult working conditions each year. We particularly thank Elaine Webster, Parks Manager from Ansa and Glen Williams, Chair, Friends of Congleton Park for all the work that went into the Heritage Green Flag submission. A special acknowledgement to all the volunteers for their tireless help and support every year.”
The Friends of Congleton Park working alongside Streetscape, ANSA and Cheshire East Council ensure that everybody has access to a high quality green open space and that the park is appropriately managed and meets the needs of all visitors whilst respecting the historical integrity. They have established an excellent standard of environmental management, community involvement, biodiversity, landscape and heritage.
Glen Williams, Chair, Friends of Congleton Park said: “Winning our 16th Green Flag is absolutely amazing and recognises the consistently high standards achieved by the Streetscape Team, Ansa and the volunteers who make Congleton Park what it is. Receiving the Green Heritage Award for the third time is the icing on the cake ahead of our Congleton In Bloom celebration plans. It is testament to the original design of Edward Kemp and the sympathetic changes that have occurred over the last 150 years. The addition of the Just Bee Garden has brought another fantastic feature, which is already attracting many new visitors.”