South Park, Darlington

South Park
South Park
Type Park
Location Darlington, County Durham, England
Coordinates 54°30′56″N 1°33′28″W / 54.51556°N 1.55778°W / 54.51556; -1.55778Coordinates: 54°30′56″N 1°33′28″W / 54.51556°N 1.55778°W / 54.51556; -1.55778
Operated by Darlington Borough Council
Open All year

South Park is a historic park in Darlington, County Durham, England. It is Grade II listed with Historic England.

History

The earliest record of the park dates to the will of Sir James Belasses in 1636, he left Poor Howdens Farm to the town of Darlington for charitable purposes. In 1850 the trustees of the charity suggested it "be used as a park or promenade and a recreation ground for the public at large".[1] This was confirmed in 1851 and two years later the park was opened, it was called Belasses Park after its benefactor, then later it was known as People's Park. The South West corner of the park was formerly the grounds of Polam Hall which is now a private school. The park is Grade II listed with Historic England[1] and was the first Victorian park in North East England.[2] The park has an aviary whose most famous resident was a parrot called Max who shocked visitors with his swearing.[3]

Landmarks

The park contains three landmarks; the bandstand is Grade II listed,[4] and so is the fountain.[5] Polam Lane Bridge over the River Skerne gives access to the park and is also Grade II listed.[6]

Facilities

The facilities are a bandstand, play park, multi-use games area, skate park, bowling green, green gym, aviary and cafe.[7] The pavilion has a clock tower, there is a refreshment kiosk dating to 1908 and flower beds with a terracotta jardiniere. To the North there is a lake with three islands, the perimeter of which was planted with poplars. The park has held a Green Flag Award since 2006.[7]

References

  1. 1 2 Historic England. "SOUTH PARK, DARLINGTON, Darlington (1001278)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  2. ↑ "South Park". This is Darlington. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  3. ↑ "Foul-mouthed parrot falls off perch". 26 June 2014. Retrieved 4 September 2018 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  4. ↑ Historic England. "BANDSTAND IN SOUTH PARK, Darlington (1121246)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  5. ↑ Historic England. "FOUNTAIN TO NORTH EAST OF BANDSTAND IN SOUTH PARK, Darlington (1322956)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  6. ↑ Historic England. "POLAM LANE BRIDGE, Darlington (1391730)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  7. 1 2 https://www.darlington.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/parks-and-green-spaces/south-park/
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