A park I never thought to visit has taken me by surprise
Christopher is the Echo’s Senior Life reporter covering restaurants, bars, shopping, events, concerts, and shows around Merseyside. Alongside his current role, Christopher led Liverpool’s Eurovision Song Contest 2023 coverage as its dedicated reporter. Christopher joined the Echo in 2022 after years of freelance writing focusing on pop culture and entertainment.
The beautiful secret garden(Image: christopher megrath)
A modest green space that might not seem like much at first glance has completely taken me by surprise. The tiny gem isn’t the largest or most extravagant in the region, nor is it particularly easy to reach, but it’s definitely one I’ll be keeping in mind for the next summer heatwave.
It’s easy to stick with where you know when seeking out green spaces, with Sefton Park, Croxteth Hall and Stanley Park no doubt the go-to for thousands. But this smaller space, which I had never visited before until yesterday, offers just as much enjoyment in a more contained area of only 17 acres.
Earlier this week, Norris Green Park received the prestigious Green Flag Community Award, an international benchmark that recognises well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK and beyond.
I wouldn’t have expected Norris Green to be home to one of the country’s top-rated parks. I was curious to see what earned it such recognition, so I decided to visit – and I’m very glad I did.
Norris Green Park(Image: christopher megrath)
First impressions of the park were nothing extraordinary. It’s tucked behind some rusted gates with shrubs, bushes and a brick wall covering the inside from street view.
When I eventually stepped in, I was greeted by an older gentleman who was tending to the flowers, pulling out troublesome weeds from an otherwise gorgeous patch filled with yellows and reds.
Once I got past the pathway abundant with shrubbery, the park opened up and I was greeted by towering trees with a children’s activity area in the distance.
Giant tree trunks are strategically placed to suggest the kids’ zone is confined to its own area, and quite a smart decision to prevent young ones from wandering astray.
Norris Green Park’s children’s area(Image: christopher megrath)
The park is humble in offerings but has everything you could ask for. There’s a slide, swings, climbing frame, monkey bars and jungle gym equipment to keep kids more than entertained. The ground doesn’t boast the park’s vibrant green grass but it’s more likely a sign of a thoroughly enjoyed area.
I continued on my leisurely stroll and spotted quite a few people doing the same. Dog owners threw tennis balls for their pets while runners passed me by several times. On the bench was an older couple sat in silence watching the world go by and others simply passing through. It’s as cliche as a park can get, instilling a sense of homeliness.
My path took me below a number of towering trees that shrouded the area in shadow, and I couldn’t help think of how perfect it would be to sit with a book. Walking onwards I was met with two football posts stealing centre stage in a sprawling expanse with a few question public gym pieces that have seen better days, but are appreciated regardless.
The beautiful secret garden(Image: christopher megrath)
Only by chance did I notice a path leading into a huge set of bushes. Whatever was inside was completely shrouded in darkness but there was some sort of opening in the distance. My curiosity got the better of me and I eventually found a charming little garden with the park’s most colourful flowers.
A small square repeating path covered in moss and leaves opened up before me. I felt like a child again finding some sort of secret hideaway. The area was cooler since it was tucked away from the sun with benches around the perimeter offering a respite. But there discoveries didn’t end there.
Towards the back was yet another path, this time leading to a “bug hotel”. I stumbled upon the Harry Swinburne Wildlife Area that looks like a gardener’s dream but refrained from stepping inside in case it was private land.
Norris Green Park(Image: christopher megrath)
Near the entrance, however, was a charming little bug hotel with plenty of wood signs reading “wildlife only” and warnings that bees are in the area. I was satisfied with a cheeky glance so I lapped up the rest of the secret garden’s beauty before making my way back the open path.
Before I knew it I was at the front gates again, this time at the opposite entrance and face to face with an abundance of tall flowers. The small trek that only took around 15 minutes offered a fantastic and varied range to enjoy, from beautiful scenery and walk ways to activities, secret garden as and wildlife.
My leisurely stroll was one I’ll be telling more to enjoy and it’s abundantly clear to see why the park has been accredited as one of the best and it’s all thanks to the team at Friends of Norris Green Park.
The group’s chair, Karen Maw, said: “We are thrilled to have received this international recognition from the Green Flag Award. It is a fantastic achievement by all the volunteers who work throughout the year to maintain the standards. We would also like to thank the community of Norris Green for all their support.”