the mystery

The Mystery

Wavertree Playground, also known locally as The Mystery was one of the first purpose-built public playgropunds in the UK. It is based in the Wavertree area of Liverpool.

In May 1895, a stately home called "The Grange" was demolished and it looked inevitable that the estate it was based within would be used as a building area for the increasing suburbs of Liverpool. Much to the surprise of Liverpool society, an anonymous donor had purchased the Grange estate together with some adjoining properties, and presented the whole 108 acres (0.44 km2) to the City of Liverpool.

The donor levelled and grassed the area - eradicating the ornamental lake that was once a feature of the grounds - and suggested the name 'Wavertree Playground'. It was to be a venue for organised sports, and a place for children from the city's public schools to exercise in, not a park for 'promenading' in the Victorian tradition. He expressed the hope that the City Council "might approve of giving it a fair trial for this purpose ... before appropriating it for any other use".

The mysterious donor's offer was accepted by the Council; the Playground was opened by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool amid great celebrations on 7 September 1895.

The new park was immediately nicknamed 'The Mystery'. At the time the Press speculated that the donor might be Philip Holt — a shipowner who himself lived on the edge of Sefton Park — but this was neither confirmed nor denied.

Currently in addition to the playground, the land is home to Wavertree Athletics Centre with many sports facilities including tennis courts, all weather pitch, bowling green and athletic track with grandstand. Liverpool Harriers & A.C. have based their headquarters at this centre since 1990.