Broadfield Park
St Alban's Street
Off Drake Street
Rochdale
Broadfield Park is the oldest park in the
borough. It is of great historical interest and a valuable area of
green space right in the centre of Rochdale.
The first areas of the park were opened in the
early 1870's and many of it's historical Victorian features can
still be seen today.
Facilities
- Gardens
- Bowling greens
- Seating
- Cafe at Touchstones Rochdale adjacent
to the park
- Toilets at Touchstones Rochdale
nearby
Wildlife
Broadfield Park forms a haven for wildlife in
the centre of Rochdale, the wild flower area & park support
many insect which in turn make valuable food for birds, amphibians
and small mammals.
Pond project
The design of the pond today is called a
Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS), because it utilises water
from land drains under the park's fields and nearby rooftops and
natural spring water from Cant Hill Well, before going into the
river Roch.
The original island was removed to increase
the water surface area and the reclaimed rocks have been used to
create a new bank side habitat.
The pond has been restocked with water plants
and divided to create two separate habitats. The walkway across the
centre of the pond makes a great 'pond dipping' platform and an
excellent viewpoint. It is a valuable watering hole for the parks
wildlife and birds and it is possible to see the return of the
dragonfly to the park and at night bats catching insects.
The surrounding area is managed as a
wildflower meadow to act as a food source and shelter for all manor
of insects, amphibians, mammals and birds.
Memorial and features
John Bright
John Bright was a national figure standing up
for many progressive causes, like the need to reform Corn Laws. He
campaigned against the Crimean War.
Dialect writers memorial
This memorial is in memory of four Rochdale
writers who have preserved local dialect for the people of Rochdale
in verse and prose.
The Victorian bridge
This fine Victorian bridge was built in 1896,
it was restored in 2007 retaining many of it's original parts.
Topography stand
This feature on Flagstaff Hill is a viewpoint
'Toposcope' pointing to many of the surrounding landmarks.
Ashworth statue
Alderman George Leach Ashworth was the driving
force behind the building of Rochdale Town Hall. When this statue
was erected in 1877 he was the first Rochdalian to receive such an
honour.
Bandstand
The bandstand was erected in 1893, it was
fully restored in 2005 to the exact original specifications. The
Bandstand received a Civic Society Award in 2005.
Co-operative Jubilee
fountain
This drinking fountain was donated by the
Rochdale Co-Operative for the people of Rochdale in 1907
Glacial
boulder
This boulder was originally found at Cowm Top
Farm, Castleton and donated to the park. Made of Andecite its
origins are the Borrowdale and Coniston areas of the Lake
District.