Hickman Park

What is it?

The park is located half a mile from Bilston town centre.  The park opened in 1911 as a memorial to Sir Alfred Hickman, a local industrialist and former MP.

Hickman Park is currently undergoing restoration, in a project funded by the Heritage Lottery.  The park will be returned to its original splendour, with the benefits of modern facilities.

There is now a new building to house the park rangers; a meeting room, toilet and baby changing facilities.

There is also an open air theatre which has been restored, alongside the Park Shelter, after funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The theatre has, in the past, held many events and once again is starting to gain attention by being used regularly.

What is there to do?

As well as the theatre, there is a sports arena with terracing.  The arena is an ideal place for both playing sports and for spectators.  In addition to all of the usual things to enjoy in parks, walking, exercising well behaved and controlled dogs etc. there is also:

• mini football pitches
• toddler/children’s play area
• urban sports court (multi-ball)
• rangers events
• wildflower meadow
• Sons of Rest group

When is it open?

Generally open from 7 'til dusk, but click here for a full list of the opening and closing times.

Is there an entry fee?

No - other than large events when a small fee may be charged.

Where is it?

How to get there…..

• bus number 79 from the City Centre
• take the Metro to The Crescent
• driving - there is a car park off Wolverhampton Street

Hickman Park History

In 1909 a campaign to raise funds for a new park was started in Bilston following the opening of East Park in 1896.  By 1910 the campaign failed to raise enough money.

In 1910, it was reported that Sir Alfred Hickman had died.  Sir Alfred Hickman was a local industrialist and Wolverhampton Conservative MP.  His family bought land to become a public park as a memorial to Sir Alfred Hickman.  The area chosen was 12 acres in size and included the site of Springfield estate and a small adjoining field.

Lady Hickman opened the park on Saturday, 17 June 1911 to great scenes of celebration.  The original park included a cast iron drinking fountain surrounded by lawns and flower bedding.  A bandstand was donated by Lady Hickman and was erected next to an ornamental pond.  There was a shelter, play area and a flag pole on top of the hill; the main path through the park was the original drive through the Springfield estate.