Alexander Park, Manchester

Alexander Park has the potential to be a great urban space for families of all ages and sizes yet it’s clearly lacking some tender loving care, and as a result we won’t be returning soon. We visited the park on a sunny Sunday afternoon during the school holidays, and it was clear from the state of the overflowing public bins that it had been a busy weekend for them. We parked (free) adjacent to the toddlers’ playground and my heart sank when I saw the state of the equipment. Although all swings, climbing frames and slides are in working order they clearly require a fresh coat of paint. We quickly moved on to the main playground and were relived to see this area didn’t look as tired as the toddlers’ playground. The main play area has a climbing frame, swings, multi-ball court, roundabout and some balancing equipment overlooked by a number of park benches. Once the children grew tired of the playground and we decided on a walk to the park’s lake yet I wished we hadn’t. The lake or large man-made pond has seen better days. There were crisp packets and cans littering the pond’s edges yet you have to admire the ducks and geese that had made this area their home despite the vile state of the water. It’s such a shame this park is a shadow of its former Victorian glory. They did have some posters around the site asking for people to support its lottery bid for funding and I do hope Alexander Park gets the funds it deserves to rejuvenate the area as it has heaps of hidden character and forgotten heritage eager to be unleashed.