Crumpsall Park was originally part of the area known as the Forest of Blackley, which encompassed the River Irk in the days of pre-industrial Manchester. Following industrialization, the need for housing became more apparent, and land was cleared to make way for new homes. The need for the preservation of some green space was evident, and this was when Crumpsall Park as we know it was created. Opened in the 1890s, Crumpsall Park is situated in a densely populated area of North Manchester, sandwiched between rows of terraced houses and Crumpsall Hospital. The Park provides a green oasis for peaceful recreational activities, as well as offering a range of sports facilities for the local community. The Park hosts two landmark features. The first is the famous Obelisk Monument, which was originally situated in Manchester City Centre. The second is an impressive park keeper’s lodge, which was built with the Park in 1890. The lodge now houses a toddlers’ child care facility. Over the years, the park has remained a popular local feature, and has been well used by the community despite its decline in the 1980s and early 1990s. In the mid 1990s however, a Friends of Crumpsall Park was set up and is now successfully working with Manchester City Council to return the park to its former glory. The nearest open section of the River Irk can be viewed at Delauneys Road and Herristone Road Park, views which provided a glimpse of bygone days.