The park was developed under the supervision of the landscape architect Thomas Hayton Mawson of Windermere, who created Burslem Park around the same time.[3] Mawson's design makes use of terracotta to highlight features such as the axis between one of two footbridges across the canal and the pavilion. The pavilion, which is arguably the park's main focal point, was completed in 1896, and was designed by Mawson's junior partner Dan Gibson.[1] The bandstand between the pavilion and the canal was the gift of Mr George Howson, a local pottery owner.
The southwest end of the park consists of a lake which is fed from the canal. Fishing is permitted. Next to the lake is a word sculpture that reads
'There are sounds all around, but nothing matters except the sound of your voice'
and
'I see you standing there as if on a distant horizon, I reach out and our hands touch'
Other facilities in the park include a basketball court, a football court and four children's play areas. At the western end of Hanley Park, adjacent to Stoke-on-Trent College, previously known as Cauldon College, there is the small 12-acre (4.9 ha) Cauldon Park.
The Hanley Park Fete was held from 1897 to 1939 and featured a funfair, side shows and a display of fireworks. The Potteries Central Horse Parade (open to anyone living within 10 miles of Hanley Town Hall) was also held annually (but it was never resumed after World War II).