The only time (so far) that I've been to Summerfield Park was back in February 2016, after completing the second half of my Harborne Walkway walk. The park opened in 1876 by the then Mayor of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain (in his last year of office before becoming an MP). The park goes up to the Dudley Road. There is remains of an outdoor theatre or bandstand dating to 1907.

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Summerfield Park at the end of the Harborne Walkway


Summerfield Park at the end of the Harborne Walkway


The only time (so far) that I've been to Summerfield Park was back in February 2016, after completing the second half of my Harborne Walkway walk. The park opened in 1876 by the then Mayor of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain (in his last year of office before becoming an MP). The park goes up to the Dudley Road. There is remains of an outdoor theatre or bandstand dating to 1907.


Summerfield Park

Welcome to Summerfield Park. 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.

Surrounded by Dudley Road, City Road, Selwyn Road, Gillott Road and Icknield Port Road. The park is also close by to Edgbaston Reservoir.

 

Onto my visit from February 2016.

Entering Summerfield Park from the end of the Harborne Walkway. Although technically the Harborne Walkway continues a little bit further into the park. Tall trees and the path.

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View of the play area near City Road. While gulls were on the lawn.

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Nice shadows from the trees as the path from the Harborne Walkway joins into the park.

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Houses on City Road behind the trees.

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The path goes straight towards the Dudley Road, but will bend to the left before reaching Icknield Port Road.

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This gate is the exit to West Gate before Gillott Road.

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Continuing on the path further into Summerfield Park.

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Rugby goal post.

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The next gate leads to East Gate and Gillott Road.

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The back of the brick bandstand (or outdoor theatre). It was built in 1907.

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There is an entrance for performers at the back. Just go up the steps. Perhaps there used to be a door there now, but not now.

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The bandstand was looking very derelict in 2016. I'm not sure if it's the same state now.

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The Council could do with investing in the restoration of this bandstand. And when things go back to "normal" have performances take place here in the future?

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The second playground / play area was close to Dudley Road.

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Now onto one of The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015 owls I missed seeing in 2015.  This one was called Papa Winson. The artist was Colin Gabbidon working with Ladywood Arts Forum. It was funded by Birmingham City Council and the Big Lottery Fund. Seen from the back. It was located not too far from Winson Green.

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Side viewof Papa Winson with a shadow to the right.

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The front view of Papa Winson wasn't too great in the sunshine at this time of the day (just before 1pm on 25/02/2016).

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Near the Dudley Road entrance was this Welcome to Summerfield Park sign and map, with some history.

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The reverse side has a modern map of the park.

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Next to the welcome sign was the former Dudley Road Police Station. Also known as Summerfield Police Station. It has been derelict since the West Midlands Police moved to a new police station on Icknield Port Road. This building has been threatened with demolition. But hopefully the Victorian Society can save it?

See this Tweet here on Summerfield Police Station by the Victorian Society. According to Birmingham City Council in the same thread it is not threatened with demolition.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.