Your nostalgia: The changing landscape of Coventry's War Memorial Park

From the Coventry Telegraph: Your nostalgia: The changing landscape of Coventry's War Memorial Park
The War Memorial Park’s new play area opened to rave reviews from children and parents alike at the beginning of the month.

The new facilities ,which have been funded by grants by the Lottery and the Community Spaces programme, are the latest in the recent redevelopment of the park and include a new water play area as well as the state of the art playground attractions.

The War Memorial itself has been renovated and new steps and a ramp installed.

The park opened in 1921 but it wasn’t until October 8, 1927, that the Portland stone-clad cenotaph was officially unveiled by Field-Marshal Earl Haig, a WW1 leader. The park was of course established in memory of those who died in the Great War.

The land for the park – part of Stivichall Common – had been purchased by Coventry Corporation in October 1920.

Among the original features were a rock garden and ornamental garden, tennis courts, three bowling greens and 19 football and hockey pitches.

In the spirit of remembrance, 181 Copper Beech trees were planted in memory of individuals who fought for their country.

During the Second World War the park was requisitioned by the military authorities. Facilities became limited and many areas were also turned over for food production.

Due to bomb damage it took nearly two years to restore the green areas and tennis courts.

Today the park is at the heart of major events such as the Godiva Festival, the ever-popular Donkey Derby and the Caribbean festival.

As part of the revamp there will be a visitor centre, which is close to completion, several pavilions are being renovated and the cafe has been overhauled and is up and running.