East Midlands
in Bloom
Superb flower displays like this throughout the park have played
a big part in Harborough's successful entries in the East Midlands in
Bloom competition over recent years. After gaining third prize in 1999,
then second place a year or two later, the town finally won Gold in
2005.
Skate Park
After much consultation and requests from many youngsters who wanted
facilities nearer the town centre than Little Bowden, a Skate Park has
been built near the new Farndon Road foot bridge.
Nature Trail
Nature lovers can follow the Nature Trail around the park and by the
river. At the Farndon Road entrance, handy leaflets are available from
the dispenser, which chart numbered areas along the route where each
of the illustrated species can be found. Blue, numbered wooden markers
are sunk into ground at these points to help you find them.
| Key to Map |
| 1.Children's
Play Area |
| 2. Open Space/
Goal Posts |
| 3. Dog Walk |
| 4. Tennis
Courts |
| 5. Rose Gardens |
| 6. Bowling
Greens |
| 7. Putting
Green |
| 8. Cafe &
Ticket Office |
| 9. Nursery |
| 10. Toilets |
| 11. Car Park |
| 12. River Welland |
| 13. Skate Park |
| 14. Pond |
| 15. Bowls Pavilion |
| 16. Riverside Walk |
|
Welland
Park
Welland Park, which has existed since the 1930's, is situated just a
few minutes walk along the riverside from the town centre via the Commons
car park. There is also a small car park at the Welland Park Road entrance
and a third entrance on Farndon Road. It is always open and the main paths
are lit at night.
Features
Whether you just want to walk around admiring the scenery and flower beds,
exercise the dog, play with the children or have a game of tennis, there's
something for all here. At the Farndon Road end, there's a large recreational
area, and it's here where the Millennium Mile begins. Nearby there are
swings etc. for the children, which has recently been enclosed by iron
fencing, and an area has been set aside along the West/South border for
exercising the dog.
Sport
Towards the south side are 9 tennis courts - 4 grass (open April - October)
and 5 all weather (open all year). The courts are free to use when the
ticket office is closed but payment is required when open. To the north
there are two bowling greens which are open from April - October. The
clubs that use the bowling greens and pavilion welcome new members. Tickets
and information are available at the park café, which is currently managed
by staff and volunteers from CARE village, Shangton and is open 7 days
a week, 9am - 5pm from March - October. For those who prefer something
a little more light-hearted, there's a miniature crazy golf putting green
near the park centre.
Floral Displays
Some of the more formal flower beds lie close to the Welland Park Road
entrance, as does the nursery where plants can be purchased at the weekend.
A sunken garden surrounded by pergolas is situated near the centre of
the park. Here stands the Bell Tower rescued from the demolished Symingtons
factory. On it is attached a commemorative plaque to the Queens Silver
Jubilee 1952 - 1977.
Special Events
Welland Park is occasionally the venue for the Harborough Town Band. In
1997, a successful event called 'Music in the Park' was also staged here,
which was repeated and enlarged upon in a special three day event in August
1998.
Millennium Mile
At the Farndon Road entrance to the park, hornbeam trees line the start
of the Millennium Mile, which was officially opened on January 8th 2000.
Over recent years, Route 6 of the National Cycle Network has been incorporated
into parts of the Millennium Mile, and it is now possible to cycle the
length of the park.
New Welland Park video clip
 YouTube version
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