The beautiful Mesnes Park in Wigan is one of seven parks across the borough to be recognised among the best in the country, by being awarded Green Flag status.
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Mesnes Park began life as part of the Rector’s “Glebe” lands and former coal-mining site. In 1871, Wigan Corporation acquired it and following a design competition won by John McClean, the park officially opened on 6 August 1878.
Its 1880 Pavilion, bandstand, decorative steps, lake, waterfall, and various memorials added Victorian grandeur. Over the years, the park evolved further, and it is now also a vibrant hub for the community.
Each May, the park hosts Wigan’s VE Day commemorations, it also plays host to Light Night Wigan, is the launch point for Armed Forces Day parades and many other events, and is just a gorgeous place for a stroll, a picnic, or even a spot of roller-skating.
Six other parks/green spaces across the Wigan Borough have been given the green flag accreditation. They are:
- Pennington Hall Park (Leigh),
- Alexandra Park (Newtown),
- Jubilee Park (Ashton-in-Makerfield)
- Central Park (Atherton)
- Colliers Corner (Howe Bridge)
- Tanners Lane Embankment (Golborne)
The Green Flag scheme is managed by Keep Britain Tidy and looks at several key areas, including being well-maintained, safe, welcoming, and environmentally friendly, along with supporting community involvement, having good facilities, and strong management and sustainability practices.
“Our parks and green spaces are so important for the health and wellbeing of our residents as places to relax, play and connect – with other people and with nature.
CLLR Paul Prescott, Wigan Council
The seven are among 2,250 parks and green spaces in the UK to achieve Green Flag status this year.
Councillor Paul Prescott, cabinet portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, said: “We take great pride in their upkeep and appearance, so we’re delighted the hard work of our dedicated teams and volunteers has been rewarded once again.
“I’d like to thank them for all their hard work over the past 12 months.”
The news comes ahead of Love Parks Week 2025, which runs from Monday 28 July to Sunday 3 August and will see many free activities being run including tennis, pickleball and disc golf to tai chi, Pilates and outdoor gym sessions.
For more information visit bewellwigan.org/parks
This year’s Love Parks Week will culminate with the annual Memory Walk at Haigh Woodland Park (Sunday 3 August, 11am), to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
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