permanent structure. Fund were provided by a well-known local ornithologist from Beardwood. The park was supplemented in the 1960s with a children's play area and paddling pool. In 1974 Corporation Park and adjacent residential areas were designated a conservation area. In 1996 this conservation area was extended to the south and Corporation Park was given a Grade II listing by English Heritage on the register of Parks and Gardens. Restoration programme A 'Historical Restoration Management Plan' was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in 1999, culminating in many of the improvements on display today. Improvements introduced through the £3.8m landscaping and restoration project include restoration of boundary walls, new gates and the reintroduction of 75% metal railings to the park borders, which were originally removed as strategically valuable metal during World War II. Other refurbishments include new benches, realignment of coping stones, resurfacing of pathways with tarmac and gravel for the broad walk and Italian gardens. All water features have been cleaned and restored. The pools have been cleared and some de-silt work to the lakes has been carried out. Lake edges have been restored and a new cascade for the main lake dam have been created. Several new planting schemes around the park have been undertaken, including for the Italian Gardens. The restored southern gatehouse and veranda now provides an office at the main entrance for the Park manager and Park Warden. The restoration was performed by Casey's contractors under the management of Capita. As discussed above, the 'Colourfields' viewing point was officially launched in 2006 and is the first in a series of landmarks called 'Panopticons' - a project of the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network. The project redeveloped the existing historical cannon positions. Gallery See also Listed buildings in Blackburn References External links Corporation Park, Blackburn with Darwen Council Corporation Park Management Plan 2008/09, Blackburn with Darwen Council Open Spaces Strategy for Blackburn with Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen Council Parks and commons in Blackburn with Darwen 1857 establishments in England Grade II* listed parks and gardens in Lancashire