work and play
Uncovering hidden working class histories in the parks of North Manchester
"These parks help people cope with the stress of life."
Back on Track is a charity based in Ancoats, Manchester. We provide learning and skills opportunities to people facing disadvantage.
Thanks to funding from Historic England a group from Back on Track worked with local historians to uncover facts and stories about three local parks. They also got creative, making artworks and composing poems inspired by the past and the present of the parks.
This website includes their work and the stories they've uncovered. Explore, learn and enjoy!
Watch our video about the project
"Within this city so loud and cramped / A zone of still reflection can be found / In these quiet and peaceful parks"
three parks
Our project focuses on three urban parks in North Manchester: Sandhills Park in Collyhurst, Queens Park in Harpurhey, and Philips Park in Eastlands.
The group uncovered old maps as part of the project - this one dates from 1891! Click on the lit-up areas to find out more about each park.
Queens Park
Queens Park is a well-used community park in Harpurhey, just off Rochdale Road. It's known for its rose gardens and for the historic art gallery in its grounds.
Find out more
Philips Park
Philips Park in Eastlands was the home of several firsts for the city of Manchester - its first municipal cemetery, first bowling green and first open water swimming pool!
Sandhills
Sandhills is a small country park that's full of fascinating history. For instance, it was once the site of a quarry that provided the stone for a very famous Manchester building. Can you guess which one?
Find out more
Swan Buildings, home of Back on Track
"I loved looking at the old photos of the parks, and I was amazed to learn about the local history of the parks as I’ve never visited them before."
Patrick
"I joined the course because I’ve always been interested in history. I really enjoyed going to Manchester Central Library to look at the old maps, I especially enjoyed looking at the maps from the 1900s."
Jordan
Gallery
The group visited each park and made amazing works of art, inspired by history, nature and the stories they learned. Hover and click on the lit up areas to see the works up close.
Sandhills by Kris
Kris's art depicts the passage of time from the earliest days of the park to a future alien landing
Anna made this amazing model of Queens Park art gallery!
These pages are full of stunning poems inspired by the three parks. Click to listen to Anna's, which sees echoes of the parks' past that help to explain the present.
a fallen branch aching to be climbed
a garden of roses so beautifully designed
a majestic hall a dilapidated lodge
a park of grandeur, a park that was
are we so far from there
with shadows of history everywhere?
Stay in touch
Do you want to stay in touch with news about Back on Track? Subscribe now to join our mailing list!
Thank you
A special thanks to Janine and all at Manchester Histories for giving us access to local historians, map and film archives. Dean Kirby for his extensive knowledge of the history of Philips Park. Donna Corry and Jacqueline Dooley from Manchester City Council, and Sue Bowen from the Friends of Sandhills for her interesting tour. Also a huge thanks to our creative writing tutor Sue Womersley and art tutor Kate Freeborough.
Back on Track Manchester
Registered charity 1017467
Thanks to Historic England for providing the funding that made this project possible
