Peel Park to host ‘Go Green with the Queen’ event this October

Due to be launched on October 10, 175 years after Queen Victoria visited and officially opened the park, University of Salford staff and students, working with Salford City Council, will unveil three virtual trails – exercise, wildlife and heritage – which will allow visitors to learn more about the Park’s fascinating story. There will be a series of talks on the day introducing the new routes.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Peel Park in 1851, just five years after it was the first of three public parks to be opened in 1846. Visitors are invited to explore the park and find out more about its history and wildlife, as well as meet Queen Victoria herself.

The trails are complete with QR codes with information on each topic, photos, video and artwork. The wildlife trail highlights the species that have been spotted in Peel Park with information boards created with help from pupils from St Philips C of E Primary school and students in the Faculty of SEE. 

Encouraging visitors to move their body, the exercise trail allows visitors to explore the park to find more QR codes which will lead them to exercises to complete in specific parts of the park. Uniquely for an outdoor trail, the virtual exercise trail uses motion capture developed by the team in the Faculty of SHAPE, in conjunction with exercise experts in the Student Experience team. 

Finally, the heritage trail, developed with help from local history expert Mark Charnley, will provide information on all things Peel Park history, such as music, artwork and even the Queen’s visit. The trails are therefore a collaboration from across all the faculties of the University.

Then later on October 10 a special film ‘Salford Everywhere’ will be projected onto the University’s Maxwell Building, part of the events to mark Salford’s 100th birthday.

Described as a ‘living portrait’, the video will be accompanied by a live score celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage, featuring local choirs and brass bands, arranged by Michael Betteridge, with music direction by Salford-based composer and DJ, AFRODEUTSCHE. 

Dr Simon M. Hutchinson, Reader in Environmental Science at the University of Salford led the project. He said: “It’s great to see these trails come to life and really help people connect with the heritage and wildlife of the city. It has involved staff and students from across the University to come together to create these fascinating and healthy trails.”

Councillor Barbara Bentham said: “Peel Park is one of Salford’s real gems, and this project is a wonderful way of celebrating its past while investing in its future. 

“Whether it’s learning about the park’s history, exploring its wildlife or getting active on the new exercise trail and outdoor gym, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s been a real partnership effort, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for helping create an attraction that will encourage more people to get outdoors, stay active and take pride in this special place at the heart of our city.”

In addition to the trails, Peel Park is also set to open a new outdoor gym, which will encourage visitors to keep fit alongside the Go Green activities.

Physical Activity and Wellbeing Operations Manager at Salford, Daley O’Neal, said:  "It’s fantastic to be part of this event on behalf of the University, and to help promote and launch both the exercise trail and Gym Equipment area within Peel Park through our strength training sessions, as we look to support health and wellbeing within our local community."