Historic Kidderminster park reopens with new and restored features after £2.9 million transformation project
Brinton Park in Kidderminster reopens after £2.9 million transformation project
Brinton Park in Kidderminster has reopened after a £2.9 million transformation to restore its historic features.
At a reopening event on Saturday (October 31) locals and community representatives enjoyed an afternoon of live music, refreshments and the chance to explore some of the park's newly restored features, including the ornamental pool and bridge.
The restoration project was made possible by a joint investment of £2.9m, including £2.4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Brinton Park has a bandstand, an enclosed children’s play area, a splash pad, tennis courts, a basketball court, a five-a-side area, ornamental beds and gardens, a sensory garden, open grass areas, a skatepark, a multi-use games area and the Twigs Garden and Learning Centre.
In August 1887, to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, the park was gifted to the public by John Brinton, a well-known carpet manufacturer and local politician.
The park’s café was open on Saturday but its full opening is on November 23.
Wyre Forest District Council chairman George Connolly addressed guests at the reopening event, saying: “I’m sure you’ll all agree with me that it’s a fabulous facility that’s been brought back to life for the people of Kidderminster, both young and old who will cherish this for many years to come. Please enjoy the facilities.”
Leader of the council Marcus Hart said: “For those of you who have lived in Wyre Forest and Kidderminster for a very long time can remember this being here the first time round.
“The great thing about this park is that there is something for everyone. You can see it with everyone here today: grandparents, children, grandchildren. Whether you want to walk, cycle, walk your dog, play tennis, there’s the skate park, play area, the splash pad. If you just want to come here and have a coffee, it’s here for you now.”
Guest Julian Brinton, a descendant of John Brinton, said: “Brintons was one carpet company of many here in Kidderminster. At one stage there were about 30 carpet companies; sadly fewer now, which is a great shame.
“In the late 1800s John Brinton donated Brinton Park to the people of Kidderminster because he wanted them to enjoy the beautiful nature that comes from having a wonderful garden.
“That was his mission and it was amazing that over a hundred years later we’ve still got that today.
“Hats off to Wyre Forest District Council for doing an amazing job in restoring this and bringing it back to its former glory.”
Learn more about the park and its history at https://www.brintonpark.com/.
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