Cray's Hill

The park is open daily and the car park is open from 8.00am and closes at 4.00pm. The public footpath allows access 365 days of the year.

In the beginning the site was originally farmland and records show that in the early 1960’s the site being utilised as landfill. The tip closed in the late 1990’s and remediation works began in 2004. Further remediation works were undertaken for the release of methane gas with the creation of concrete vents and stacks in March 2005. 

Once the gas remediation was completed, preparation and cultivation was carried out to create a recreation ground, changing room facilities were built, but the ground was unstable and undulations were evident so it couldn’t be used and went in to decline. 

In 2006 local residents and Amber Valley Borough Council worked in partnership to bring the site back in to use. Consultation was carried out with the public and works began in 2008 with the installation of a cricket pitch, naturalised play area, informal recreational area and a wild flower area. The pavilion was also transformed and brought back into use.

Play area - is located in the centre of the recreation ground and has a mix of fixed play equipment suitable for a broad age range of children. 

Cricket pitch – this is located on the upper grassed area and is used by Swanwick cricket club. 

Junior football pitch – located on the lower area and is used by Alfreton Town Junior football club. 

Circular path – which runs around the site and links the various features together. Benches are located at various points and are well used. 

Changing rooms - the changing rooms are large and can accommodate more than one team at a time. There is a kitchen and bar area and the changing rooms are well used for a variety of activities and events. 

Bridal way – a bridleway runs from Cray's Hill through to Sleetmoor Lane and connects a wider bridleway network.

The park can be accessed from Cray's Hill and Sleetmoor Lane in Swanwick. Parking is available Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

No scheduled events at this time.

To view all event applications for the borough's parks and gardens, or to apply for your own event please view our events on council land page. Alternatively please contact the landscapes team on 01773 841542.

The park is owned by Amber Valley Borough Council and is managed by the landscape services department.

There is an active Friends Group and both Swanwick Hall Cricket Club and the junior football club take an active role in ensuring the area is well maintained.

The borough Council are always keen to promote positive use of the site and a good park users guide is visible at all entrances to the park.