Spinney Hill Park - Victorian
Approximately one mile from the City
centre, Spinney Hill Park's 34 acres of sloping parkland, with 2 well-equipped
and popular play areas and an adventure playground, is situated on Mere Road,
the site of which was purchased in 1885 for the creation of a park so that
the growing population in the area had a recreation facility near by.
The Arts and Leisure Department have been preparing a bid for funding from
the Heritage Lottery Fund and Government’s Single Regeneration Budget
to restore the park to its former glory. A bid for additional funding has
already been successful and money awarded from the Single Regeneration Budget
has seen the park's sports pavilion totally refurbished internally. It is
available for community groups and members of the public to hire for sporting
and non-sporting functions. Please telephone Sport on Parks for more details
on 0116 252 7369.
Historical Information
Over 100 years ago in 1885 the City Corporation were worried about a lack
of public open space in this area of Leicester. To solve the problem they
bought the Spinney Hill Estate from Mr CS Burnaby. The 36 acreas and 3 rods
of land cost £18,000.
Over the next few years, paths were laid out, new trees planted and a pavilion
erected. The granite fountain was donated to the city in 1888 by a wealthy
market-place pork and cheese merchant and local councillor Mr Samuel Mather.
Other Features
The City Wildlife Project created the nature area during the park's centenary
in 1986. They planted over 150 trees. Oak, maple and birch wre planted in
the woodland and the water-loving alder and willow beside the brook. Many
wildflowers were introduced into a newly dug pond.
Room Hire
The Bowls Pavilion (seats 40) is available for hire from November to March.
Sports Pavilion (see details above)
Telephone: 0116 252 7369 for booking.
Play Areas
Two well equipped play areas are available.
Parks Users
Spinney hill Park user group meets regularly to discuss issues relating to
the park. Everyone is welcome. Contact the park for more details.
Parking and Access Information
There are no car parking facilities only roadside.
The park has tarmac pathways throughout but it is very hilly which could make
access for wheelchair users difficult.
For More Information
Please contact Parks Development South at Evington Park
Tel: 0116 2737726
Fax: 0116 2732515
Spinney Hill residents' views sought on
conservation
31st May 2002
RESIDENTS of the Spinney Hill Park Conservation Area are to be asked about
their views on what is important about their neighbourhood
The area – bounded by East Park Road, St Saviour's Road, Mere Park and
Park Vale Road – was declared a conservation area in 1982, with various
improvements made since that date.
Now Leicester City Council is undertaking an appraisal of the area aimed at
identifying which features are important and what enhancements are desired.
This appraisal will form the basis for a character statement which will give
the city council greater control over preserving the area's appearance and
character.
Similar appraisals will be conducted in all the city's 23 conservation area.
An exhibition will be held at Wesley Hall, 76 Hartington Road, from Monday,
June 10th until Friday, June 14th. All local residents and anyone else interested
in the area are welcome to attend and give their views.
Alternatively, residents can contact David Trubshaw in the city council's
conservation team on (0116) 252 7217.
HOLI FESTIVAL
Asian communities across Leicestershire celebrate Holi in March. 5,000 people were expected in Rendell Park to take part with a further 2000 at Spinney Hill Park, and others at Loughborough's Shri Ram Krishna Temple. The festival, sometimes known as the festival of colour, marks the season of spring as the time of renewal, rebirth and hope. It also has a special significance for the Hindu communities as the triumph of good over evil. Bonfires are lit in the evenings at various venues across the county and thousands of people gather to offer prayers as well as play the traditional game of marking friends with colours. Holi is almost totally public festival - rarely conducted inside homes in India, - gangs comb neighbourhoods for bonfire materials weeks before the celebration. The ceremony is often conducted amid catcalls, gesticulation, howling and trading of abuse, similar western festivals include Guy Fawkes Night and Carnival.
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