A major fundraising campaign has been launched to build Salford’s first permanent labyrinth to celebrate the centenary of Lightoaks Park.
The campaign has been launched by the volunteer-led Friends of Lightoaks Park in celebration of 100 years of the parks official opening.
To celebrate the centenary of the park the group has set its sights on creating a first for Salford – a permanent, and fully-accessible labyrinth.
During the celebrations visitors will be able to view design visualisations, ask questions, and contribute to the cause.
The event will be hosted by Friends of Lightoaks Park and will run through the afternoon and include live music, activities, and storytelling activities.
Through this the group will be hoping to raise funds and awareness to create a peaceful walking path at Lightoaks Park in Irlams o’ th’ Height.
Friends of Lightoaks Park is a community group formed to care for one of Salford’s green gems.
Over the past nine years, the volunteer-led community group have organised planting and maintenance projects, countless family events and park clean-ups, working alongside Salford City Council to achieve and maintain the park’s Green Flag status.
They also run the locally renowned ‘Tea’osk’ which is a volunteer-run refreshment kiosk in Lightoaks Park, offering barista coffees, hot chocolates, teas and refreshments and a friendly space for the community.
All proceeds from the Tea’Osk are reinvested into Lightoaks Park, funding enhancements like new flower beds, benches, and proceeds will also go to funding the proposed new Lightoaks Labyrinth.
The labyrinth path will be designed for reflection and connection, and will also sit alongside the newly planted Centenary Bed, commemorating 100 years of Lightoaks Park.
Unlike a maze with confusing twists and dead ends, a labyrinth has one continuous route to the centre —inviting calm, focus, and inclusivity, whilst also being accessible to everyone.
Designed to be tranquil, the fundraising campaign will look to be rooted in the community and built for future generations.
Séamus, Friends of Lightoaks Park said: “This is more than a physical path — it’s a legacy project that represents Salford’s spirit: inclusive, visionary, and rooted in community.”
And it seems to have been well-received as Ann, a lifelong Claremont and Lightoaks resident, said: “I’ve walked through Lightoaks Park since I was a little girl, and it’s been part of my life ever since.
“To see the community coming together to create something so thoughtful and lasting—it’s beautiful.
“The labyrinth will be a place for meditation, reflection and peace, not just for us seasoned locals, but for every generation to come. It’s a legacy, plain and simple.”
As part of the celebrations of the 100 years of Lightoaks Park, the volunteer-led group is launching a children’s book, The Lightoaks Frog and Friends, inspired by the park’s much-loved animal sculptures.
Local author readings will take place throughout the launch of the book on Saturday August 9 between 1pm and 4pm at Lightoaks Park.
All proceeds from the book sales will go towards projects to enhance Lightoaks Park for people and wildlife alike – more information can be found here.
The fundraiser for the Lightoaks Park can be found here.
Feature image is a rendered image and not the final design.
Recent Comments