What
is Cannon Hill?
Cannon
Hill Park one of Birmingham’s five premier parks and less than two miles from
the city centre. The park stretches between Edgbaston Cricket Ground and
Stirchley. The park runs along the River Rea where there are pathways and cycle
routes (see the interactive map tab on https://lovesellyoak.com/) The park has been awarded Green Flag status and is enjoyed by runners,
cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts, families and schools.
How
has the Park developed?
Cannon
Hill House was a 19th century villa, owned by Louisa Ann Ryland. The
house overlooked meadows and the valley surrounding the River Rea. In 1873 she
gave 57 acres of the land to the city and commissioned the park to be created.
Cannon
Hill Park is listed at Grade II because it was designed by John Gibson who also
designed Battersea Park and several other parks in London. Since the original sculpting
of the park, very few of the original features have been changed, including
many of the tree selections and plants.
Cannon
Hill Park was opened to the public in 1873, with the intention to provide a
green space for the local people to engage with. Visitors were encouraged to
protect and preserve the wildlife and enjoy leisure activities available.
In
1898 more land was acquired to aid the endeavour of straightening the River Rea.
In 1887 a botanical garden was created in the park for botany atudents. The
plants and seeds were supplied by the botanists at Kew Gardens in London.
Visitors
will notice the beautiful old ruins of the Golden Lion Inn. Originally this 16th
century house was built in Digbeth but was re-erected in the park in 1911 by the
Birmingham Archaeological Society. Until the building fell into ruin, it served
as a refreshment room and cricket pavilion. Excitingly, there are plans
underway to renovate the building and repurpose it for public use. The
following link contains an interesting video which shows the inside of the
building and all the work that is currently in the process of being approved.
Following
the Second World War, Cannon Hill Park saw the development of the park with a
new boathouse. In 1964 the Midland’s Arts Centre (MAC) was built upon the old
site of the 19th century bathing pool.
What
is the MAC?
The
MAC is a popular arts centre which runs events throughout the year. It aims to
connect a variety of different artists and audiences of communities across the
city. The MAC has several performance spaces, including theatre, concert halls,
and cinema.
Events
include comedy, music, art exhibitions, spoken word, independent film, dance,
theatre. It also holds creative classes including musical instruments, making
ceramics, designing jewellery. The MAC truly is a unique arts centre!
The
MAC is recognised as a national leader for developing work with children,
families and young people of all backgrounds. The MAC works with people both
within the centre and out in the community. For more information or to book
tickets for events please visit;
When
does Cannon Hill host Park Runs?
Cannon
Hill Park hosts two free timed park runs every weekend:
·
Every Saturday at 9am there is a 5k
timed run.
·
Every Sunday at 9am there is a 2k
timed run for juniors (4-14).
Although
the course consists of tracks, some sections of the course fall victim to the
weather. If this happens, the marshals situate themselves at the key sections
of the course to redirect runners.
Both
park runs use Age Grading to help compare results. Age Grading takes your time
and uses the world record time for your sex and age group to produce a score.
You’re
welcome to run with your dog as long as they are on a short leaf or harness.
You are also welcome to run with buggies. If running with a buggy, you are
asked to start at the back of the field and keep to one side of the course to
avoid collision with other runners. Unfortunately, you are not permitted to run
with both a dog and a buggy.
At
the end of the run, you’re welcome to join your fellow competitors at The
Garden Tea Rooms for a coffee and a catch up! For any more information please
follow this link:
How
can I get involved with tennis at Cannon Hill Park?
Recently,
the tennis courts at Cannon Hill Park were renovated, including floodlighting
to allow all-day-all-year-round access. The Edgbaston Priory Club coaching team
are on hand to advise, teach, and lend equipment to anyone who wants to have a
go.
You
can register as a Park Player to book one of the five courts or two floodlit
courts. If you’re not registered, you can play on any un-booked court when you
visit. Now everyone can enjoy tennis for free at the Park! For any additional
information, please click on the following link;
Can
I help or get involved with Cannon Hill Park?
If
you’re interested in getting involved with the park or just want to keep up to
date with the local events, get in touch with the Cannon Hill Park Friends;
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