In 1804 an 8 mile canal was built between Latchford in Warrington and Runcorn. Once the Manchester Ship Canal was dug however it was shortened to one mile from Stockton Heath to the River Mersey at Manor Lock.

The canal remain in usage for the transport of hides to tanneries until the 1960s when it fell into disuse. But what has this got to do with the park I hear you say.

Well in 1981 Warrington Borough Council bought the land and converted it into a parkland forming a line from Victoria Park through to Stockton Heath, it also forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail. Along the path one passes the Black Bear public house from which the name of the park is derived.