Table of Contents
Visitors to Birkenhead Park have been sharing what makes the green space special and what changes they want to see ahead of Wirral Council's planned £2 million investment in the park.
The beloved landmark, which opened in 1847, was declared a Grade 1 listed landmark in 1995, and was recently named as one of 22 UK locations on a new UNESCO Industrial Heritage Trail. The council funding must be spent by the end of March 2028.
Friends of Birkenhead Park volunteers Gerry Taylor and Alan Brighouse spoke of their deep affection for the green space to the Wirral Globe. "It's the lungs of Birkenhead," Mr Taylor said. "It's a great place to come. It's quiet, peaceful, and free to visit."
Mr Brighthouse, a former Wirral councillor, said the park could use additional signage to find attractions and amenities situated in it. He said this as he wants to see more Liverpool tourists come across the water to visit the park and boost the local economy.
One resident, Andrew McKay, who is a frequent visitor to the park, said to the publication: "What can't you love about it? It's close to the centre of Birkenhead, so it's really handy."
His suggestion was to use the lakes in the park and fill them with "little boats" for rowing.
Richard David Cosgrove-Bray described the park as 'Birkenhead's back garden' and a great place for dog walkers. However, he said he would be reluctant to stay in the park beyond around 6.30 pm, when groups of young people often gather on bikes.
There have been recent incidents in Birkenhead Park, with a teenager being stabbed inside the park on June 28 in the early morning, which resulted in the arrest of a 15-year-old .
Still, the park is a hub for community events. Recent events held include the Claire Bear 3k fun run, which raised money for Claire House Children's Hospice, and SENsory Fest, a festival for SEND children which included entertainment and help and support talks for SEND parents.
