Bradgate Park
The of Bradgate Park was purchased from the Earl of Effingham in 1925 to provide the west of Rotherham with a much needed recreation area. It was landscaped in the early 1930's and opened around 1938 with much of the park looking similar to the way it does today. It is a semi-bowl with very steep slopes on the south side and more level areas for the facilities.
I pass by fairly frequently but I have not stopped to enjoy the facilities for quite a long time - not since my tennis days, when summer Sunday mornings were often spent here. Bradgate is a very nice little park - no vast acreage, only about 5.24 hectares, but a very pleasant place on a fine afternoon. As usual with Rotherham parks the beds are normally beautifully planted and the trees are a sight for sore eyes when they are in blossom in the spring. The bowling greens are still there and the last I looked were in tip-top condition - the bowling club here is very popular. I called for a walk around in mid-April 2007. It was a week or two early for the best of the blossom. There is an informal area of parkland and flowers beds, a rock garden and a sensory garden.
The stone monument is in the middle of a little garden which is locked up. I looked in vain for a plaque or board for more information to explain its meaning.
Information
Address:- Bradgate Lane, Kimberworth, Rotherham, S61 1QJ.Facilities:– Tennis Courts - Bowling Greens - Multi use games area (for football, cricket and basketball) - Children's Play Equipment - Toilets - Car parking (small area off Bradgate Lane) - Pavilion.