Celebration of Kings Norton Park's 2011/12 achievements Saturday 13 October 2012.
What a fabulous experience delivered by volunteers from many of the environmental groups from across Kings Norton who provided entertaining and creative, fun activities for all age ranges and abilities.
What a fabulous experience delivered by volunteers from many of the environmental groups from across Kings Norton who provided entertaining and creative, fun activities for all age ranges and abilities.
Joining them were organisations interested in a sense of community and providing positive experiences for everyone, but in particularly young people. The Civic Society, National Trust, Guide Dogs for Blind and elected representatives joined in too.
Adopting a 1920's theme, the era in which the then newly formed Civic Society purchased and gifted Kings Norton Park to the City for recreational purposes, children took part in games, art, crafts and exhibitions. The aim was to recognise the contribution of those who had such foresight and generosity and to share in looking forwards to a future yet to be created.
Kite Making, our developing engineers from Friends of Walkers Heath Park improved designs which had a 'high success with all the children and parents!
Guess the weight of the pig - a traditional 1920's game usually with a live animal, however, we much preferred the reconstructed pen and cuddly version, a heavy contender from Friends of Walkers Heath Park and Positive Futures
Den Making and bug hunting - in the newly cleared area behind the church yard. Ingenious dens were constructed and played thanks to the National Trust and members of Catch 22. A world of discovery and mystery, fully embraced by all.
Thought Canvasses will be in Kings Norton Library for a limited period. These were the outcome of activity by Positive Futures produced some inspirational text and images to ponder over. 
Flapper Head Dress making and Dickie Bows were added dazzle and glamour, artist flare fromnThe Millennium Fields Trust with bulb planting, baskets and preservatives too.
Friends of Kings Norton Park Logo Cake Competition and gingerbread decorating, an edible creation much appreciated by the hungry young, as were the sweet cakes and goods on sale from Guide Guides for the blind. The Friends new Tree Trail Quiz was launched and tours conducted by Sue Amey - available on request.
1920's park laws (No thrashing carpets in the Park!) and street games from the rangers team and their caravan. Amazing how much fun the children had from hula hoops, marbles and string! Followed by mud bombing the wild flower meadow. Not a battery or chip in sight but plenty of smiles.
Hunting for gifts and entertaining several aspiring Doctor Watson's was the incredible lookalike sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, who told us that this character was named after Sherlock Street in Birmingham.
The unveiling of a lectern ceremony to celebrate the renovation of the Upper Civic Garden and inclusion of a new community orchard. We heard from Robin Barnes Trustee and Treasurer of the Civic Society, Sue Amey Northfield and Edgbaston and Lynn Horsnett, Chair of Friends of Kings Norton Park.
Following the pulling of the ribbon and a swift walk to the play area, the Friends introduced the community consultation that took place with local schools and families, and the work with the city's planning department, parks department and councillors, which helped to achieve an accessible play area for children of all ages.
The Friends Group had been presented to us by children at Kings Norton Primary School had produced pictures and stories about their thoughts on what they would like to see in their park. These formed bunting around the play area.
Councillor Steve Bedser, elected Labour representative for Kings Norton, who's portfolio includes heading up Health and Well Being for the City was warmly received made a brief presentation too.
Thank you to our local ice-cream van Donatello's who parked up for refreshments, St Nicolas Place for opening up the Old Grammar School, Kings Norton Library Staff and everyone who contributed or took part in some way to mark this special day in the parks calendar.
Who knows what 2013 will bring? One thing is for sure, if you join in, it could the thing you would like to see happen.
Contact Friends of Kings Norton Park at info.foknp@gmail.com.
