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Play Ground |
New Playground Opening | |
| November 1954
Derby Town Council will be recommended by the Audit and Finance Committee on Wednesday to approve expenditure of 2,008 - 7s -8d on the construction of a playground at the Arboretum (Rose Hill Annexe) provided no other work is carried out at Rykneld Recreation Ground. Members will be told that there is no provision in the 1954/55 capital estimates for the expenditure contemplated by the Parks Committee. Derby Evening Telegraph Monday November 1st 1954 |
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| May 1961 | ||
| With the Playground
controversy again to the fore it seems relevant to recall the
Arboretum's origin. Briefly, in 1840 Mr. J Strutt gave to the town 11
acres which were planted with a large variety of trees and shrubs laid
out by Loudon, the famous landscape gardener. (Both these men are
commemorated in street names nearby). Later the area was increased to 17
acres and open daily, as now, instead of the earlier twice weekly. Since
then Recreation Grounds and parks of various sizes have sprung up, or
been acquired or adapted in all parts of the town; in fact few towns of
Derby's size can boast of so many open spaces.
In the midst of these there is the Arboretum which, as its name proclaims, is a place for cultivation and display of various trees and shrubs, sometimes rare specimens. To let this priceless gem to function as just another park is surely just another major error of Town Councils. Derby Evening Telegraph, May 13th 1961 |
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| Joseph Strutt placed a
great deal of importance in the use of space as playing fields and
playgrounds, as he clearly stated in his address to the Town Council on
September 16th 1840. Read about the events of September 16th 1840, which
included sporting activities taking place in neighbouring fields.
The council bought a further 6.5 acres of adjoining land, this was known as Rose Hill and later became Rose Hill Recreation Ground. Several important football matches were played (long before the Baseball Ground). the football pitch was later tuned into a playground, where roundabouts, see-saws and swings were provided for the younger children. This playground possibly came into being around the early 1900s as there is no sign of it on the 1899 Ordnance Survey Map. A large glass and iron structure known as the Crystal Palace stood at the Rosehill Street side of the recreation ground, there is a sketch of Derby School boys taking part in a hurdle race, the Crystal Palace is shown in the background. Many important sports events were held on the playing fields. |
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| Back to Arboretum Today | Seats made from felled trees are introduced April 12th 2005 Copyright Christopher Harris 2002-2006 |
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