Haslam Park

Haslam Park is a particularly good example of a fine Victorian influenced town park, with many of the original features still in place.

The history of Haslam Park

Formally open pastureland, Haslam Park was donated to the Borough by Mary Haslam in 1910, who commissioned the Parks design and construction in memory of her father, John Haslam, who was the owner of a cotton mill on Parker Street Preston.

Miss Haslam main ambition for the park was to ensure that ample space was made for the children, and to this end she donated additional money for the development of the park. From this generous donation landscape designer (or 'garden architect' as he preferred) Thomas H Mawson was contacted. From his designs the park was finished and opened in 1912.

The historic features from this design include wrought Iron Entrance Gates (these were restored in 1999 with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund), Avenue of Limes, cast iron Drinking Fountain (does not work) and the Lake and Cascade fed from the Lancaster Canal, still a popular part of the park. Also included in the original design was an arboretum and grass lands to encourage wildlife and flowers.

In 1915, Mawson amended his plans to include swimming baths, but due to the lack of funds and the First World War the plans were shelved. The baths were constructed in 1932 when Mr J Ward donated money for the baths and an aviary. Sadly both of these features no longer exist with the baths closing in 1987, and were demolished.

The park continues to fulfil its role as a family orientated environment, with many people coming in the summer for picnics and to play sports in the large fields.

One of the newer features on the park is the fine tree sculptures by Iain Cant and students of Tulketh High School and members of Intag, sculpted from a dead beech tree. This feature was commissioned by the Art in the Park Project in 2002 and is popular with local residents and park users. A bench sculpted in the same manor accompanies the tree, and was completed in 2003.

Haslam Park Facilities

Haslam Park has a large and diverse selection of facilities, including leisure amenities Multi Use Games Area (basket ball, football, hockey and cricket), 2 Crown Bowling Greens, Hard surface Tennis Courts, Artificial Cricket Pitch and a Children's Play Area.

The park also has Allotment facilities and fishing is allowed on the lake (please contact the Parks Section for further details).

Haslam Park Ranger

Haslam Park has its own dedicated Park Ranger who carries out daily patrols and inspections, to makes sure with the grounds maintenance staff, the park is tidy and safe. In addition the Ranger organises Environmental, Historical and Creative events for Schools, Community Groups and general public.

Friends of Haslam Park

Established in 2002, the Friends of Haslam Park work in partnership with the Park Ranger and the Councils Parks Development Team. The Friends play a major role in the organisation of community events and contribute to management decisions, they also help raise funding for improvements and new facilities.
If you would like to become a member of the Friends of Haslam Park, please contact the Park Ranger on 01772 725203.

Opening Times

2006 Opening 1 Jan 2006 - 31 Dec 2006

Tickets Information

Road Directions

Haslam Park is located on the Northwest side of Preston, adjacent to Blackpool Rd (main entrance via Bristow Avenue), There are also entrances on Cottam Lane and from the Lancaster Canal. It is easily accessible by car, bicycle or foot and is connected to the cycle route. alighting on Blackpool Road.

Public Transport Directions

The park is also reachable on the 33, 34, 35, 44, 134, 180, 182 bus routes alighting at Woodplumpton Lane junction (Lane Ends Pub, next to Booths) and 31,158,167, 168, 185, 758 X58 bus routes