Love Parks Week is in full swing, giving everyone across the country a brilliant excuse to get outside and make the most of the green spaces right on our doorstep. Organised every summer by Keep Britain Tidy, the campaign celebrates the parks, playing fields and nature spots that make our towns proper places to live.
In Crosby, we are genuinely spoiled for choice. From wind-swept coastal stretches to quiet neighbourhood parks, there is no shortage of places to stretch your legs. Behind every freshly cut lawn and clear footpath is a lot of quiet hard work, done by council grounds staff and local volunteers who turn up in all weathers.
If you are looking to get out and about this weekend, here are five of the best spots to visit around Crosby.
Crosby Coastal Park
Stretching all the way from Waterloo up towards Great Crosby, the coastal park gives you some of the finest views in Sefton. Most people know it for Antony Gormley’s Another Place figures standing out in the tide, but there is far more to the site than just the beach. The wide grassy areas behind the marine lake are usually packed with dog walkers, kite flyers and families enjoying the sunshine (fingers crossed). There is also an adventure playground located near the entrance to the park if you fancy a swing.
Coronation Park
If you are running errands around Crosby village with kids in tow, Coronation Park is the obvious pitstop. Tucked just off Coronation Road, it is a proper local favourite for a reason. There is a great play area to keep younger ones busy, plenty of open grass for kicking a ball around and trees that offer welcome shade on warmer afternoons. Friends of Alexandra and Coronation Park are currently raising money to refurbish the children’s area and have organised a free family fun day on Saturday 15 August, between 11am – 3pm, bring a picnic!
Moorside Park
Moorside is a classic community park in the best sense. Located on Moorside Road, it packs a lot into one space: bowling greens, multi purpose courts, a busy play area and plenty of room for a walk. It also owes a huge debt to the Friends of Moorside Park group and the Crosby Wombles. The volunteers spend hours every month planting flowerbeds, organising local events and making sure the park stays looking its best.
Victoria Park
Just down the road in Waterloo, Victoria Park has a completely different feel. Bordered by grand period houses, it centres around a classic pavilion with tidy flower borders and shaded paths. It is a bit quieter than some of the larger parks nearby, making it ideal if you just want to sit on a bench with a book for half an hour.
Rimrose Valley Country Park
Running along the eastern edge of town, Rimrose Valley feels like a proper escape from urban life. It is a vast corridor of marshland, wild meadows and woodland paths that attract all sorts of wildlife – not to mention local runners, cyclists and birdwatchers. If you want to leave the pavements behind without driving out of town, this is where to head. Special Nature for Heart activities continue throughout August, to find out more visit their eventbrite page here.
Doing our bit
Enjoying these places also means helping keep them in good shape. Local community groups and grounds teams always appreciate a bit of help from visitors:
- Pack up your rubbish when you leave, or take it home if the park bins are brimming.
- Keep dogs under control around play areas and wildlife, and always pick up after them.
- Think about giving a few hours to a local ‘Friends of’ group – they are always keen for extra help with planting days and community litter picks.