The History Of The Park

On Saturday last Dunwood Park Crompton, with the adjoining recreation ground at Smallbrook was formally opened by Capt. Abram Crompton J.P

The plot of land forming the site was presented to Crompton Council on Coronation day by Capt. Crompton on behalf of himself and his three nephews, sons of the late Mr J.M. Cheetham, a former M.P for Oldham. The land consists generally of a high hill, wooded in parts. The hilly position has been made into a public park and the level portion into a children’s playground.

The site has been cleared of dead trees and young trees and shrubs have been planted generally over the hillside. Paths have been made enabling the public to walk through the woods in all directions and when the trees have the advantage of a few years growth the plot should prove a very desirable recreative spot for residents. The main entrances are at Smallbrook road and Jubilee road.

At Smallbrook Rd end gate piers and ornamental entrance gates have been erected and from this entrance a broad asphalt path has been constructed, nine feet wide, which runs the full length of the wood along the lower side. About the centre of the wood this path has been extended to form a wide elliptical plateau and a rustic bandstand has been erected in the centre. This portion is a central feature in the scheme. The hillside above the bandstand has been terraced and provided with seats and should prove a very desirable place for band entertainments. A comfortable refreshment house has been erected near to the bandstand with seating accommodation and provision for light refreshments. The building is built in rustic bricks and the roofs are covered with red tiles to introduce some colour and preserve the simple rustic nature of the place. The level plot of land at Smallbrook Rd end has been laid out as a children’s playground. Sets of swings and gymnastic appliances have been erected for boys and girls and covered shelters of convenience are provided in close proximity to the same. Conveniences are also provided for males and females. The site generally has been well drained and fenced in. The area of the land is 2.066 acres and the park covering 17.965 acres and the playground 2.669 acres.

There are approximately 2 miles of paths in the grounds, the length of the main asphalted path being 1038 yards and that of an asphalted by path 86 yards, these being laid by the contractor’s men. The Councils men have also laid 2383 yards of ashed paths of an average width 5 feet. Messrs S. & J. Smethurst Ltd of Oldham have carried out the contract work of the designs and under supervision of the architect, Mr Ernest Woodhouse F.R.E., B.A. of Mosley Street Manchester.

The Council on Saturday invited the public and representative of the councils of neighbouring districts and officials to form a procession. The column left of the Town Hall headed by the Shaw Prize Brass Band. Past and present members of the council followed Mr J.T. Taylor J.P. represented the Milnrow District Council, Mr J. Hilton J.P. the Chadderton District Council and Mr Harrison (Clerk) the Royton District Council. A large crowd assembled at the entrance to the park and the bunting was displayed along the route.

On arrival at the park gates Councillor James Cocker (Chairman of the playgrounds committee) called upon the Councillor J.A. Hinchcliffe to present to Capt Crompton a gold key with which the latter gentleman unlocked the gates.

Before opening the gates, Capt Crompton, who is now 92 years of age said: ‘Some time ago I had the pleasure of handing over these premises to the chairman and councillors of this township as a recreation and playground. Since that time the Council have embellished it by laying out paths and erecting a bandstand and planting trees and making other improvements which have added to its beauty and usefulness. The procession the proceeded to the bandstand in the centre of the park where Capt Crompton declared the rounds open to the public.

Councillor A. Clegg moving a vote of thanks to Capt Crompton for opening the park and to the Councillor Cocker for presiding, said he was sure they were all pleased to have amongst them Capt Crompton, the donor of this wonderful park. They were that day only what ought to be done in large industrial centres, that was to provide breathing spaces. In years to come they would be thankful to the donors and to the Council for providing them with a beautiful park. He knew that there were in their midst an army of murmurers but when they were put forward a scheme to suit every ratepayer they would be able to say they had arrived at the millennium. Some people grumbled that the park was in an out of the way place and others complained of the laying out of the scheme. During the past few years the growth of the township has been phenomenal especially at the end of the district and he thought in years to come they would bless the donor and the Council for providing them with such a wonderful retreat.

Councillor Leach, seconded the resolution, said that would be a red letter day in the history of Crompton. He believed it was a step in the right direction. Open spaces and playgrounds for children ought to have their support. There was a time when it was safe for children to play in the streets but with the advent of motors and swift moving traffic it had become dangerous. What they were inaugurating that day would, as time went on prove a boon and a blessing. Some of the tradesmen of Crompton who now opposed the scheme would benefit by the influx of visitors in times to come. It would be worth all the public paid in rates to have the advantage of such a retreat. He hoped they would regard the grounds as their own and would treat them as such. They were thankful to Capt Crompton that in his declining years he had seen fit out of his store to give to them and their successors for ever that plot of land. They could do with a more generous spirit amongst people who had made their wealth in the district. Gifts such as this should be welcomed.

The aged Captain in reply thanked them for their kind remarks and said they had overrated his services to the township.