War Memorial Park, Coventry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids War Memorial Park |
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The war memorial monument (built 1927)
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Coventry, England |
| OS grid | SP324770 |
| Area | 48.5 hectares |
| Created | July 1921 |
| Operated by | Coventry City Council |
| Status | Open all year |
The War Memorial Park is a huge park in southern Coventry, England. It covers about 48.5 hectares, which is like 120 football fields! This special park opened in July 1921. It was created to remember the 2,587 people from Coventry who bravely gave their lives in the First World War between 1914 and 1918.
The park has beautiful gardens and places for sports. These were added in the late 1920s and 1930s. The most important part of the park is the city's war memorial monument. This tall monument was built in 1927.
Contents
A Look Back: The Park's Story
How the Park Began
The War Memorial Park was opened in July 1921. It was a way to honor the 2,587 people from Coventry who died fighting in the First World War. The people of Coventry donated money to buy the land. It was bought from the Gregory-Hood family, who owned Styvechale Manor. At first, the park was mostly just a big grassy area. It used to be part of Styvechale common.
Later, in the late 1920s and 1930s, the northern part of the park was changed. Beautiful gardens and sports areas were created for everyone to enjoy.
The Park During World War II
During the Second World War, the park had an important role. Large balloons called barrage balloons were placed there. These balloons helped protect the city from enemy planes. Anti-aircraft guns were also set up in the park. You can still see the big concrete blocks where these guns were placed near the Coat of Arms bridge area.
Special Recognition for the Park
In 2013, the park was added to a special list. This list is called the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Being on this list means the park is very important because of its history and design. The war memorial itself is also a very important historic building.
The park also received the Green Flag Award in July 2013. It has kept this award, showing it is a well-managed and high-quality green space. In 2014, Prince William visited the park. He launched a program called Centenary Fields there. This program helps protect parks and green spaces forever.
The War Memorial Monument
The war memorial monument is the tallest building in the park. It stands about 90 feet (27 meters) high. A local architect named T. F. Tickner designed it. People raised £5,000 from public donations to build it. The monument was finished in 1927. It was officially opened by Field Marshal Douglas Haig.
The monument is made of a type of stone called Portland stone. It was built by John Gray. Inside the memorial, there is a quiet room called the Chamber of Silence. This room holds the "Roll of the Fallen." This is a list of all the Coventry men who died in the two World Wars and the Gulf War. You can visit this room every year on Remembrance Sunday.
Park Improvements and Fun Things to Do
Making the Park Even Better
In August 2010, a big project started to improve the park. This project cost millions of pounds. About 30 different improvements were made over ten months. Money for this came from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. Coventry City Council also helped pay for the work. In 2011, more money was given to build a new play area for younger children.
Things to Do and Events
The War Memorial Park has many things for visitors to enjoy. You can find football pitches, bowling greens, and tennis courts. There is also a small golf course and a fun splash and play area. The park even has an aviary with small birds and a skate park. Most of the park is open green space with lots of trees and bushes.
A path goes all the way around the edge of the park. This path is great for walking, running, or cycling.
The park hosts many exciting events each year. These include the Godiva Festival, the Donkey Derby, and the Caribbean Festival. The Vaisakhi Mela is also held here. Every Saturday, the park has free 5km (3.1 mile) runs called parkruns. Over 300 people join these runs each week!
Getting to the Park
Parking Your Car
The main car park is a large paved area. You can get to it from Kenilworth Road. There is also a "park and ride" service from here to Coventry city centre. This service is run by Travel de Courcey with the city council. There are two smaller car parks as well. One is on Coat of Arms Bridge Road, and the other is near the northern end of Leamington Road.
Images for kids
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Steps at the base of the war memorial
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The small aviary
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The skate board and BMX area
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View from the south of the park looking northeast
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A bowling green
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Tennis courts
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An old section of the perimeter path on the west side of the park
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A "park and ride" bus at the bus stop on the western side of the main car park in 2007
