Victoria Park (Ilkeston)

Victoria Park is just minutes from the busy town centre of Ilkeston, Derbyshire. The land was originally presented to the town by the Duke of Rutland to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, the official opening taking place on 20th August 1902 when the Duke and Mayor of Ilkeston planted two oak trees. It has excellent, inclusive play facilities, an outdoor table tennis facility, a bowling green and attractively planted areas, including shrub beds in the Victorian style; an extensive collection of trees; an 100m long herbaceous border; summer bedding displays; carpet bedding and large grassy areas which are perfect for relaxing and picnicking. The park is circulated by a good network of accessible paths which allow leisurely appreciation of the tranquil surroundings and has many seating areas. A number of community events are held on the park throughout the year. In summer the bandstand is a popular venue for concerts. The park has an active and enthusiastic Friends group who meet regularly to discuss its management and opportunities for improvement. This is an exciting time in the history of the park as it has recently undergone a number of heritage lottery funded improvements. The grand entrance gates have been reinstated and the bandstand and bowls pavilion have been restored to their original splendour. The ornate Victorian bedding schemes have been reinstated in the floral garden and the park now has a cafe and community room facilities.