Selly Oak Park: the gem of a park off the Selly Oak Bypass
Selly Oak Park is located on Harborne Lane in Selly Oak. Sections of the Lapal Canal goes through the north east corner of the park (still to be fully restored). The Selly Oak Bypass (Aston Webb Boulevard) opened in 2011 and the Selly Oak Shopping Park in 2018. They are now building a new section of the bypass near the former Sainsbury's site at Selly Oak Triangle. Also on Gibbins Rd.
This park is located on Harborne Lane and Gibbins Road in Selly Oak. It was developed under the Kings Norton and Northfield Urban District Council. Land was donated in February 1899 by members of the Gibbins family. The park was opened in April 1899 on Easter Monday. In 1911 the park was taken over by Birmingham City Council when Selly Oak became part of the city. More land was donated over the years. In 1913 and 1919 by the owners of the Birmingham Battery and Metal Company (also Gibbins family members), in 1935 to give access to the Weoley Park Farm Estate. More land in 1950 by the Birmingham Battery & Metal Company (again). In 1958 some land was transferred to the City’s Public Works Committee. More recent land donations in 1980 and 1982.
The shelter built in 1899, the bandstand built in 1908 and the Daughters of Rest Pavilion built in 1953 have all since been demolished.
The park is now maintained by The Friends of Selly Oak Park. That includes all the wooden sculptures found around the park.
2012
My first walk around Selly Oak Park was during June 2012, testing out my then new camera (which I had until about December 2015). I probably entered from Harborne Lane and headed up the main path.
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One of the main squirrels in the park, with a nut.
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Saw this red wind funnel thing. There is similar funnels in other nearby parks.
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A council lawnmower going around the park cutting the grass.
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The trees were so lush and green in the summer, the path curving round to the right.
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Another squirrel behind a tree.
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Two paths amongst the trees.
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Distant view of the red funnel.
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2017
The next visit to Selly Oak Park was during January 2017. The Friends of Selly Oak Park had commissioned all of these new wooden sculptures which were worth checking out. On this side it says Lapal.
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To the side Welcome. So probably "Welcome to Selly Oak Park". This is near Gibbins Road.
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A carved wooden bench. In memory of Geoff Bartlett, Founder of Friends of Selly Oak Park.
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Part of the playground. A climbing frame, and a ride along a rope with a tyre (I think).
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Another wooden sculpture. Of deer or a kangeroo (probably a deer and it's cub).
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A new Welcome to Selly Oak Park sign. It's near the car park off Harborne Lane and close to the corner with Gibbins Road.
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2018
This visit during March 2018. View of the new outdoor gym.
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Daffodils alongside a path.
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Selly Oak Park Play Area. One of the many Birmingham City Council elephant signs that you would find in this and other City parks. Behind was a slide.
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Daffodils around a tree.
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Daffodils and crocuses. From here I headed up Gibbins Road towards Lodge Hill Cemetery. Weoley Castle is also nearby.
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Happy New Year 2020. More park posts to come during 2020.
Photos taken by Elliott Brown.
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