Oxford University Parks
The Oxford University Parks, or simply the University Parks to members of the community, is one large parkland area slightly northeast of the Oxford town centre. It is open to the public during the day and boasts beautiful gardens, large sports fields and rare and exotic plants. From 1853-1864 the University purchased a total of 91 acres (370,000 m²) of land from Merton College to build the parks. Some of this land was then used for the University Museum and the Science Area, so the current site is measured at about 74 acres (300,000 m²). The park is situated mostly on the west bank of the River Cherwell, though a small plot of land called 'Mesopotamia' sits between the upper and lower levels of the river. The current superintendent of the Parks is Walter Sawyer.
Points of interest - Cricket Pavilion - the pavilion was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson (who also designed the university Examination Schools) and was completed in 1881.
- The only 1st-class cricket ground in the UK where spectators can watch for free.
- Seven large tree Wellingtonias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) planted in about 1888.
- A circular lily pond, constructed in 1925.
- High Bridge, built in 1923-24 as a relief project for the unemployed. It is sometimes called Rainbow Bridge.
- Genetic Garden - an experimental garden established by Professor Cyril Darlington to demonstrate evolutionary processes.
- Sophora japonica, known as the Japanese Pagoda Tree. Planted in 1888.
- Coronation Clump, a clump of trees planted to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
External links - Oxford University Parks website
- Cricket in the Parks website (home of Oxford CC and Oxford UCCE)
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