The Arboretum was England's first public park and is home to over one thousand trees. It was given to the Town Council of Derby by Joseph Strutt - a local cotton mill owner and the first Mayor of the Reformed Borough of Derby - to provide the people with a place for exercise and relaxation.

This charming park has been recently refurbished with funding from Heritage Lottery and the Council.  It is included in the English Register of Parks and Gardens and has unique heritage value.

Along with its historic side, there is also a modern recreation ground with a play area for children of all ages as well as sports facilities.

Access

The park's entrances are on Reginald Street, Grove Street, Rosehill Street and Arboretum Square, off Osmaston Road. View a map of the area.

Awards

After its first ever application the Arboretum became a winner of a Green Flag Award for 2008. The award is a national standard for Parks and open Spaces. It recognises and encourages -

• the enhancement and the protection of the environment
• community use
• quality of landscape
• safety
• cleanliness and accessibility.

An official presentation took part on the 24 July 2008 in which the park was presented with its flag. See the Arboretum on the Green Flag website - .

Facilities

Children

The newly refurbished children's play area has three zones to cater for different age groups:

• toddler zone - with a pirate ship, sand area with construction equipment, climbing equipment and swings
• junior zone - with swings, roundabout and climbing equipment    
• senior zone - with challenging equipment for children aged 13 and over, including a zip slide and rotary cage.

Sports

• bowling green (Joseph Strutt Bowls Club)
• tennis courts
• cricket nets
• ball court for five-a-side, basketball and netball.

Other facilities

• tree trail - leaflets available from Tourist Information Centre, or from the Park Office at the Arboretum, alternatively use the link below for a PDF version 
• community block includes the park office, community hall with meeting room, cafe and toilets
• sports block - with changing rooms, toilets and baby changing facilities.

Useful links

• Park history
• Restoration project
• Park Events
• Arboretum Tree Trail (Printable version) - 1.26Mb

• Parks home page

Contact Arboretum

For more information contact the Arboretum park office.
 
Telephone 01332 292612.

email arboretum.park@derby.gov.uk

Contact Parks

For more information contact Derby City Parks.

By telephone: 01332 715507 or during office hours

Park Rangers 01332 367800 every day, including weekends, from 9am until 9.30pm.

By fax: 01332 641512

By Minicom: 01332 256666

By email: parksadmin@derby.gov.uk