Summerfield Park is at the end of the Harborne Walkway in Summerfield, Birmingham (near Winson Green).

Summerfield Park (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The park is surrounded by Dudley Road, City Road, Selwyn Road, Gillott Road and Icknield Port Road. The park is also close by to Edgbaston Reservoir. Is to the north west on the Edgbaston Reservoir. Close to Icknield Port Road and the Dudley Road, A457.

 

There is two Play Area's in the park, one close to City Road and the other near Dudley Road. Plus there is also a tennis court, and cricket pitch / football field.

Play Area near the City Road entrance.

City Road Play Area at Summerfield Park (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Play Area near the Dudley Road entrance.

Dudley Road Play Area at Summerfield Park (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Rugby football can also be played here in Summerfield Park.

Rugby Goalpost at Summerfield Park (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

History of Summerfield Park

It opened 8 weeks after Highgate Park, by the then Mayor of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain (his last year in office before becoming an MP). The park was formerly part of the grounds of Summerfield House, from the late estate of Mr Lucas Chance. It is one of the oldest parks in Birmingham having opened in 1876. Opened by the Mayor of Birmingham, Mr Joseph Chamberlain (in his last year of office before becoming an MP). The park was formerly the estate of the late Mr Joseph Chance, where he lived at Summerfield House (which was demolished in 1889). The Council purchased more land in 1892, reaching the current park size of 34 acres. The park features a magnificent brick bandstand (or outdoor theatre), built in 1907. The park lies at the end of the Harborne Walkway, which means that the former Harborne Walkway used to pass by from the south west to the north east corner of the park. It is possible that the largest public gathering took place here in Summerfield Park back in 1906 to celebrate Joseph Chamberlain's 70th birthday. When 15,000 people turned out to greet him.

 

Bandstand (Outdoor Theatre)

The magnificent brick Bandstand (or Outdoor Theatre) was built in 1907.

Brick Bandstand at Summerfield Park (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It is open to the elements, so had gotten quite derelict over the years.

Brick Bandstand at Summerfield Park (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015

One of The Big Hoot owls that was on display for 10 weeks in the summer of 2015, is now on permenant display in Summerfield Park. This one is called Papa Winson, by the artist Colin Gabbidon working with Ladywood Arts Forum. It was funded by Birmingham City Council and the Big Lottery Fund. It's not too far from Winson Green.

Papa Winson (by artist Colon Gabbidon) at Summerfield Park (February 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown