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 in 1840 - 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 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.
For more information contact the Arboretum park office.
Telephone 01332 292612, or email derby.arboretum@derby.gov.uk or contact Derby City Parks - Telephone 01332 293111, or email parksadmin@derby.gov.uk
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 the Green Flag in 2008. The 2009/10 Green Flag Award is the second flag. 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.
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