Haden Hill Park -90th anniversary

Haden Hill Park in Cradley Heath, first opened for public use on October 21, 1922.

Park staff and the Friends of the Haden Hill Estate will be marking the occasion by planting a commemorative tree.

And they are asking people to share their memories and photos they may have of the park.

Previously to becoming a public park, the grounds and Haden Hill House, belonged  to George Alfred Haden Best.

There was no public park in Rowley Regis at the time and  when he died the people in the area tried to raise enough cash to buy the grounds when they were put up for auction.

The official opening ceremony was held on October 21,1922, when the park was presented to the Rowley Regis Urban District Council as a free gift from local benefactors  as long as it was maintained in good ornamental cultivation and condition, and kept as a public park in order that they might "promote in perpetuity the highest of human ideals, the health and happiness of the people".

Cabinet member for neighbourhood services Councillor Ian Jones said: "There have been a lot of changes over the last 90 years, particularly following the Heritage Lottery Restoration, and it would be nice if we could get people to share their photo's and memories of Haden Hill Park."

A commemorative key from the opening in 1922 is on display at Haden Hill House Museum.