2. Campbell Park

14 September 2021

Neil Higson studied Landscape architecture at Reading University under Frank Clark, he has lived and worked in three New Towns and developed a strong interest in public parks and the environment of public housing. In 1977 he formed the Central Landscape Unit as part of the Milton Keynes Development Corporation and one of the initiatives was the creation of Campbell Park. 

Brian Salter has been involved with the maintenance and management of the new landscapes at Milton Keynes for 30 years since 1971 as Recreation Unit manager until 1972 when he was appointed CEO of the newly formed Parks Trust.     

Campbell Park is the jewel in the crown of the 1900ha park network of the new City of Milton Keynes. It is the result of close inter-professional working at all levels. Landscape Architect Neil Higson and Brian Salter, the first CEO of the Parks Trust, outline its design and management principles and discus how it is fulfilling its varied role as “the peoples’ park” for the developing city. They suggest that the parks and general landscape setting of Milton Keynes have been fundamentally important to its overall success at many levels.