For years, one building has stood as a reminder of what Barlow Park once offered, but there are now hopes it could have a new purpose.
Councillors are looking at what could happen to the pavilion, with ideas ranging from community use to activities for people of all ages.
Cllr Hilary Fairclough said the building was not abandoned, but had become surplus to requirements after being used by council departments.
She said: "I'm just impatiently waiting for Barlow Park to get its turn to shine in the sun.
"Because I do feel that it's a big park, it's a beautiful park, it's right on the edge of the forest, it's fantastic, but it's just been so badly neglected over the years, that it needs its turn in the sun.
"And I'm waiting, hopefully, for the council to recognise that."
The pavilion is in Astley Bridge and has been mostly unused since earlier this year after its previous use as a youth centre came to an end.
Cllr Fairclough said council property officers had asked departments whether they had a use for the building, with no interest understood to have been received.
She added: "It could go to some sort of charity-type community interest company who may want to do something with it that speaks for itself.
"That would be certainly something that most residents in the area would be in favour of."
The pavilion's future is expected to be discussed by the three ward councillors, with its potential use among the matters being considered.
Cllr Fairclough said the building could potentially provide services for people at different stages of their lives, while its outdoor space could also be improved.
She said: "There's quite a lot of outside space, and it would be nice over the years to think that that could be improved.
"It's part of Barlow Park, and I think it could be the start of a regeneration of the park, which has sadly been left for many, many years."
Cllr Fairclough also looked back at the park's history, saying photographs showed how much more it once offered residents.
She added: "And there is no reason why, over time, we couldn't bring it back to its former glory."
The park previously had tennis courts and bowling greens, while the pavilion was once used to provide refreshments and had views across the park.
Cllr Fairclough said she believed the pavilion should have a broad community purpose rather than being used for one particular activity.
However, she warned that finding an organisation able to take on the building could be difficult.
Cllr Fairclough said the council could potentially seek rent for the building, although she did not know what arrangement would be offered.
She added: "The council will want somebody to run it, somebody to organise it.
"And that will be the stumbling block."
The councillor said she would like to see activities available to different age groups, rather than the pavilion being focused on one use.
She also pointed to recent investment in other parks, saying she hoped Barlow Park would eventually have the opportunity to benefit too.
Cllr Fairclough said: "Barlow Park has been, in my opinion, sadly let down over the years.
"Everything has been removed from it, and it's now just a lump of grass."
The pavilion's future remains undecided, with the council yet to establish what use, if any, its departments could have for the building before wider options are considered.
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