FIELDS WE PROTECT

Gheluvelt Park contains a play area, splash pad interactive water play space, tennis courts, a Sons of Rest Pavilion, bandstand and pond as well as a striking World War I interpretative feature.

The space was originally named Barbourne Park after the local area but was renamed in honour of the Worcestershire Regiment to commemorate their 2nd Battalion’s part in a World War I battle at Gheluvelt, near Ypres in Belgium, which took place on 31st October 1914. Field Marshall John French, 1st Earl of Ypres, opened the park on 17th June 1922 which is remembered by a dedicatory plaque on the entrance gates.

In October 2010 the park completed a £1.4 million restoration supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The work saw existing heritage features such as walls and railings, the bandstand and ornamental gates restored as well as a renovation of all horticultural elements.