Elmore Park, in Elmore Lane, provides a pleasant and relaxing environment for those wishing to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life!

With areas for picnics, a safe children's play park,an animal sanctuary and a spectacle of trees,flora and wild birds, it's a great place to take a lunch break, or for families wishing to relax while the kids let off some steam!

The History Of Elmore Park

Originally part of the Hagley Park Estate, historians tell us that that the island in the centre of the park was once the site of the original Hagley Hall in 1392. Reputedly, one hundred oak trees were felled by Thomas de Thomenhorn for the house, consisting of a hall, four chambers, chapel, kitchen, two barns, brewery, stable, ox stall and a gatehouse with a drawbridge! The surrounding water running from Rising Brook, was a moat around the old house.

Elmore Park, as we know it today, began its life in 1956 when the Western Springs bypass cut off the site and the council saw its potential as a park area. The council purchased the land for the sum of £1090. Work began on the Park, in 1958 a high wall along the Crossley Stone side of the site was demolished and replaced with a fence and the pool was surrounded by a smaller fence to protect children whilst they played in the park.

The park was officially opened in September 1960 by Councillor T.S.Hand, and was maintained by the park attendant of that time, Mr Leslie Williscroft.

The park was a popular venue for musical entertainment and many bands were booked to play at the park. Ready for the Summer sunshine of 1968, and much to the joy of local children, Elmore Park unveiled its paddling pool, the park also introducing a new pets corner in the same year, with animals such as rabbits and golden pheasants being kept there.

1970 saw the refreshment kiosk opened and in 1973 the wooden bridge, previously built from surplus softwood was taken down and renewed.

Elmore Park Today
The park was revamped in 1990's to include a brand new £50,000 building for the Pets Corner with large spacious quarters for the parks array of animals and birds, including rabbits, guinea pigs, small finches and canaries, cockatiels, parakeets, an assortment of chickens and fowl and of course, the popular peacock who delights children with his colourful plumage.

The paddling pool was filled in & replaced in 1999 with an attractive picnic area financed with funds raised by volunteers from The Princes Trust . The picnic area has an assortment of wooden benches and the Kiosk can provide refreshments for those wanting a quick snack.

Also at the park is a large grassed area for those wishing to play ball games, or picnic on the grass.

The children's play areas consist of a water fountain play feature, a climbing wall, and a safe fenced area for smaller children which has a variety of items including swings, slides and climbing frames

The park is situated in Elmore Lane, across the road from the bus station, making it an ideal attraction for out of town visitors as well as the local residents.

More pictures of Elmore Park....
(click on photo for a larger image)