General parks information
Your guide to the Parks and Facilities in the Borough of Solihull - An enjoyable, green wildlife haven on your doorstep.
An introduction to Parks and Open Spaces
Residents and visitors to Solihull enjoy the best of both worlds according to the historic motto "Urbs in Rure" translated as "Town in the Country." This is justified in the fact that there are over 1500 acres of formal, informal, country and leisure, Parks and Gardens to enjoy, right on your doorstep!
Set amongst beautiful landscaping, trees and flower beds, there are a wide range of events, walks and facilities to suit all ages. Everything from the latest craze, skate boarding to more peaceful pursuits such as tennis or bowls, are on offer in our 18 principal Parks. These areas are under the care of the Park Ranger Service
Solihull is home to three of only seventeen Parks in the West Midlands to be granted the Green Flag award, in 2005, for their standards of Park Management and contribution to the quality of life. This is a significant achievement and something as a community, Solihull should take pride in.
Parks are an ideal meeting place, in the heart of every village or town and are a valuable resource, which should be used to their greatest potential. We like to encourage residents and groups to make use of our amazing outdoor venues for their fetes and activities. There are also a series of "Friends of the Park" groups and Park Action Groups who assist our Park Ranger team care for the Parks into the future. For further information contact us on 0121 704 8000.
Our events programme of walks, workshops, children's fun activities, music and theatre productions are increasing on an annual basis. Many are free of charge and bring the Park alive with fun and festivities. To receive your free copy of the latest event guide, simply email your name and address to parkevents@solihull.gov.uk or call 0121 704 8000.
History of Parks in Solihull
The parks in Solihull originated in the early 20th Century. After the holding of a local referendum, public money was used to purchase the attractive grounds of Malvern Hall which, in 1924, were under threat from development.
Olton Jubilee Park and Babbs Mill Jubilee Park were built to commemorate the Silver Jubilees of King George V and Queen Elizabeth II respectively.
Three major parks were established after the second world war to underpin the desire to create residential environments 'fit for heroes'. Land was purchased at Elmdon and Jobs Close whilst land for Brueton Park was donated.
In 1974 Local Government reorganisation added the residential development of Chelmsley Wood and its environs to form the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull. The area contained an extensive network of parks, open spaces and natural features which included the River Cole, the remains of the original Chelmsley Wood, and the lakes of Meriden Park and Babbs Mill Park.
Recent parks and open spaces within the Borough have been provided in conjunction with new residential development such as Hillfield Park, Lavender Hall Park, Marston Green Park and Dickens Heath Conservation Area.
How to care for your park
The list below gives some basic rules, which will help care for your Park well into the future. Please help us to provide a safe, clean, accessible Park for everyone who visits.
- Dispose of any litter in the bins provided or take it home
- Close all gates after use
- Respect other users in the Park
- Use the paths provided where possible
- Keep your dog on a lead or in tight control especially in the Local Nature Reserves
- Please ensure all dog waste is removed and placed in the bins provided
- Care for the flora and fauna within our parks to safeguard for future generations
- Never park your vehicle on grass verges or Park entrances
- Observe any signs as they are there for your safety
- Leave any animals, flowers or unidentified objects alone
- Make sure your car is locked and all valuables are not on show
- Join one of the Park Action Groups or "Friends of the Park" groups to help generate new ideas and improvements in your local Park
- Report any potential issues within our Parks to the Park Ranger team on 0121 704 8472 or use our Contact Form below
You and your Dog
It has become common practice amongst thousands of people to own dogs and walk them in the fine surroundings of the Parks. Whilst this is acceptable, the Council is committed to encouraging responsible dog ownership and providing a clean and safe Park for other Park users.
Did you know:
- You must not let your dog stray. If a dog warden picks a dog up that cannot be identified it will be taken to the kennels and you will be charged to reclaim it.
- Please make sure your dog has a collar and tag so that we can identify your dog easily and increase the chances of your dog being returned safely
- It is an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to allow your dogs to behave dangerously
- Please respect other Park users and control your dog at all times either on a lead or in close proximity
- Under the Dogs Act 1996 it is an offence not to clear up after your dog. This applies to all areas of the Borough open to the public. Dog wardens and Park Rangers can issue fines on the spot.
Dog fouling is inconsiderate, unhealthy, unpleasant, costly to clean up and can be dangerous to children. Therefore, if your dog does foul in public places, please clean up after it.
Use our parks for your Events
Parks are ideal venues for your community events; carnivals, fetes, fun days or sponsored walks. There is lots of space and beautiful views to complement any activity. If you would like to apply to hold a park event, simply complete the 'Use our parks for your Events Application' form attached on the right.
If you have any queries regarding events then please contact The Events Team on 0121 704 8000 or email parkevents@solihull.gov.uk for further information
Contact Details
For further information contact your Park Ranger
Telephone: 0121 704 8472
Email: parkrangers@solihull.gov.uk
To return to this page later, you can type in the following address: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/parks/