Bolckow was particularly conscious of the need to provide a "green lung" to ease the plight of the burgeoning industrial population of a town which was granted its charter of incorporation in 1853.

Albert Park underwent a major refurbishment, completed in 2005 with the support of a £3.5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund topped up by money from Middlesbrough Council and Northumbrian Water Environmental Trust.

The 7 ft-tall bronze figure, sculpted by Vivien Mallock, shows a 24-year-old Clough with his boots slung over his shoulder striding towards Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough's former ground, on his way to training.

[4] A grade II listed sundial, designed and constructed by John Smith of Stockton, was donated by H. W. F. Bolckow in 1879.

A cannon captured by British forces after the Siege of Sevastopol is displayed in the park, located near the main entrance gate by the Dorman Museum.