Community invited to Manor Park makeover launch

Manor Park’s new Active Zone has officially opened at a launch day buzzing with activity and energy.

Hundreds of local residents joined High Peak Mayor, Councillor Dom Starkey, councillors, council staff, and partner organisations to celebrate the completion of the inclusive and accessible space designed to help people aged 14 and over get active in the park. 

The event was supported by MyActive, Pyegrove Tennis Club, and play company KOMPAN, who all helped bring the space to life with a packed programme of free activities. 

Visitors enjoyed tennis skills sessions and basketball, netball and football, alongside lawn games and crazy golf. Personal trainers were on hand to demonstrate the outdoor fitness equipment and help people learn how to use it safely and confidently. 

The whole area was busy throughout the day showcasing the community enthusiasm for the new facilities and the potential for the Active Zone to become a well-used hub for movement, sport, and social connection. 

The £330,000 upgrade has created: 

• a designated space for basketball and netball with improved fencing 

• a transformed hard-standing sports area suitable for football, tennis and informal activities 

• new seating and social spaces 

• Clear signage setting out the purpose of the 14+ zone 

Mayor Councillor Starkey said: “Thanks to everyone who joined us at the weekend for the fantastic official opening of the Active Zone - the latest in a series of improvements we’ve made in Manor Park. This has truly been a community-led project so it was brilliant to see so many people enjoying the space and the facilities that they have helped to shape. Providing spaces like this in our parks means that more and more people can be active in ways and at times that suit them. 

“With the longer days of the spring and summer just around the corner, I’m sure the community will make full use of this new area and enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family – something that we all know is so good for us.” 

This latest project complements the previous investment in new play areas and equipment for toddlers and older children. The opportunity to bid to run the community café in this area of the park is also about to become available.

Councillor Rob Baker, Assistant Executive Member, said: “The Council is continuing to invest in our parks and green spaces across the High Peak because they are such valuable spaces which support the health and wellbeing of our communities. 

“I was delighted to see so many people turn out to enjoy these new facilities in Manor Park and would like to say a big thank you to our amazing parks team for their hard work, in partnership with the local community, in turning this plan into reality.” 

Councillor Adie Hopkinson, whose ward includes Manor Park attended the launch and said, “Manor Park is a beautiful place which we all appreciate. This new facility is an excellent addition which I'm sure will be well used. I would like to thank HPBC for listening to the concerns raised and improving the original proposals. Hopefully we will soon have the café open again with a new tenant in place.”