Copster Park — Attraction in Oldham

As far as parks go, it's poor. Most people avoid it in the evening because there is a noticeable issue with local teenage chavs and eastern European adults drinking and smoking weed at the park and then conducting antisocial behaviour. It's not a welcoming atmosphere to go for a walk or play games etc. It's better in the morning/afternoon when the antisocial behaviour isn’t present, however there are still issues to be found. The play area for kids is very small and there isn't much for them to choose from. The 2 large metal cages (for indoor football simulation etc.) at the back of the park have not been well kept, the plants from houses next to the cages are growing into the cages, there was loads of dog poop in the cages and there is moss growing all over the floor. The concrete around the majority of the park is kind of slippery as the trees are overgrown and algae/moss is growing on it, another issue with the super overgrown trees is the leaves all over the place (which also make it slippery). I know a park is meant to be green, but this just seems like it’s not being looked after. The only area that seems to be regularly well maintained is the bowling green.

To tackle the issue of antisocial behaviour, vandalism and let's be honest, drug use in this park you need to do a few things. Higher and more aggressive gates. Open and close times of the gates More gated areas inside the park to make access more difficult e.g. the whole caged area and walk way can be closed off through additional lockable gates. Better lighting for evenings and CCTV cameras PCSOs need to patrol now and then through the park, it would be a 'walk in a...

I didn't like this park for personal reasons. It's a dog walking park I feel. Lots of dogs everywhere which is a bit of a worry with small kids but the main thing is the dog poop everywhere.. So many spots hidden in the grass I was constantly looking down to avoid standing in poop. Plus there is a large sand pit which I personally hate as it gets in the kids shoes, socks, hair, pram and everywhere. Im prepared for sand at a beach but hate it when it's in a playground, if your kid loves sand then it's perfect to come here. The car park was a little confusing. You can see the double gates and the car park from the main road but can access it through them..drive past the double gates of the car park and go through the second set of gates into the park and drive round into the car park. Park has small hills, So there's a tiny climb to the slides and swings so be aware if you have mobility issues or bringing prams. An ice cream van comes by sometimes which is nice, if not there is a shop opposite for snacks and ice-cream which is handy. Large tennis courts too which is nice. Overall a decent park but better...

I have just been for a nostalgic walk in Copster Park. I am now 65 years old but spent many of my early teen years there. I walked past the tennis courts area that back in the day boasted 6 shale courts. There is now just a single all weather. I spent many hours improving my tennis which was paid for to the Park keeper. It is difficult to comprehend this is 50 years ago. I walked past the bowling greens and noticed a sign that stated ' No dogs or football '. This is indicative of society today where the obvious has to be stated. Lo and behold I then notice a respectable looking female walking no less than 4 dogs across one of the greens. It dismays me greatly to witness the decline in manners and common courtesies. I have recently relocated to Tyneside so this was probably...