Carol’s memories 

I have very fond memories of all the children from different families on our street spending long hours at the park getting up to all sorts of mischief. It was that socialisation, diverse families, pairing or grouping off in age groups and walking down to the park armed with marbles, yo-yos, balls of varying sizes – usually in need of air, skipping ropes – cut off the end of washing lines and often too short. 

I remember doubling up at each end of the see-saw or three of us sharing one swing and even trying to descend the slide as one long link – complete madness, but such a happy time and place. 

I vividly remember ‘the woods’, which was down a slope and always very dark with all the huge trees and a railway line just beyond it. It was the perfect private place for many first kisses. The toot of the train often revealed (annoyingly) those taking stolen moments behind tree trunks. 

Now as an adult, the park is a treasured sanctuary, especially through the pandemic. 

Over the last decade, my sister(s) and I have walked the perimeter of Kings Heath Park, early dawn, Monday to Friday, weather permitting. It has become a natural and important start to each weekday, allowing time for fellowship with the dawn chorus and each other. First light is a peaceful, magical time to be in a green space. All the senses are woke and you can truly appreciate nature at its finest.