Crumpsall Park

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Crumpsall Park is a small urban park in a very ethnically and religiously diverse suburb with mixed tenure housing, lying around 2.5 miles / 4 km North of the centre of Manchester, North West England.

Originally created in the late 19th century, it has provided a green oasis for all ages in a quite densely built-up area. In the 1990s it suffered a period of decline. Thanks to the efforts of local action groups and committed local politicians, the area has seen a renaissance.

The Friends of Crumpsall Park are a key part of this. Committed to welcoming people from all cultures and ages, it has worked with the local council and residents to build the park's facilities. In 2004 it earned Green Flag status, a rare achievement for such a local park.

The main event of the year is the annual Crumpsall Carnival. In its 10 years it has built its participants to over 3,000 people. It hosts musical acts from around the world, and the associated Talent Contest has helped launch a number of performing careers. 2006 promises to be the biggest and best yet. Food from around the world is served, and this year's features include sports activities, fun fair and jobs corner.

In 2004 local musician Martin Milner made a suite of recordings called 'Park Lives', inspired by the people who use Crumpsall Park. Everyone he interviewed in the park was recorded answering the same 4 questions: Where did you first pop out onto the planet, what are you doing in the park today, what do you like about the park, and finally, what is important in your life - ie what gives it value and meaning? People from India, Algeria, Sudan, Ireland, Scotland, Jamaica, Pakistan, Ukraine, Libya, and many parts of England gave answers which inspired music. (To contact the composer, email: mjmilner@yahoo.com . Some copies of the 'Park Lives' CD are still available at April 3rd 2006)

The site is to get its own ICT suite, and a web site is in development.

Coordinates: 53°30′57″N, 2°14′01″W