Park Projects - Past & Present

The Sensory Garden

In the early days of  Friends of Memorial Park, members adopted a  small garden in the centre of the park and decided to upgrade the area and make it a "Sensory Garden"  A few plants were purchased and the cost shared between the group and the Council's Parks Dept.  

One touching moment was shortly afterwards when some daffodils were planted in the bed by the parents of "Nicholas" who was the Grandchild of a committee member.  His bulbs still flower today.

Following  a visit by some committee members to Derian House, children's hopice in 2010 ,  members were shown exciting plans at our open meeting in 2011 to enhance the size and scope of the parks sensory garden.  The estimated cost was in excess of £100k.  Despite recieving the full backing of the Council, the submission of funding applications and a return of over 140 positive public survey documents, the group were unable to secure suffient funding to fulfil their dreams.  The project was officially put on hold in Sept 2013 after just £13k had been secured.  March 2024 - our group of "weeders" have taken up the challenge to recover the overgrown bed.  Who knows what the future holds?   Watch this space!

Border Planting Scheme.

On Saturday 14th September 2011, 135 mixed Azalea bushes were planted by 17 volunteers in a recently cleared border at ther top of the park.  The idea originated from  plans drawn up by consultants Scott Wilson in our first lottery funding bid.

Spring Bulb Planting

Over many years the group have planted 10.000s of spring bulbs.  These have been mainly daffodils, crocus, snowdrops and tulips but also wild primulas and bluebells. Vistors to the park can still enjoy a wonderful display of colour from February through to April and May each year.

Working in Partnership  - Walking around the park, visitors wlll note several clumps of brightly coloured purple crocus. These particular bulbs were planted in partnership with members of the Great Harwood and Rishton Rotary Club.  Rotary International have organised  the planting of purple crocus around the world as part of their "End Polio Now" campaign.  The crocus was chosen as the puple colour matched the dye painted on the fingers of children who had been immunised.