Queen's Park was given Green Flag status in 2007. Then, on 23 September 2010, it was crowned the best Green Flag park in the UK, picking up 2,000 of the 10,000 votes cast by the public.
The history of Queen's Park dates back to 1873 when Martin J Newhouse, a wealthy Heywood merchant, died without making a will. A sum of £10,000 was then passed to the people of Heywood and Queen’s Park was created.
After World War I, the town obtained government grants to build a boating lake using unemployed labour. In August 1921, the council agreed to appoint a boatsman and the lake was officially opened on 14 April 1922.
Many of the historic features including the 1950s open air theatre, the original lodge building and the Victorian fountain have been renovated. The park also boasts the second largest bowling green in Great Britain.
Inspired by the Blue Flag scheme for clean beaches, the Keep Britain Tidy group introduced the Green Flag scheme in 1996. Awards are given every year to green spaces that are welcoming, safe and well maintained.
Chair of Heywood Township, Cllr Alan McCarthy said: "We are thrilled to have the nation's favourite park right here in Heywood. It's terrific news for the town and gives local people another reason to be proud of Heywood's jewel in the crown."
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