Locations of Birmingham's Covid memorial gardens to commemorate victims are announced
The locations of ten memorial gardens where families and friends can write the names of those who have died during the pandemic have been announced.
Work is due to start “over the coming months” on the gardens – which will commemorate the 3,220 people in Birmingham who have died from Covid as of January 24.
One garden will be established for each constituency in recognition that the virus has affected all parts of the city, Birmingham City Council has said.
The Erdington constituency’s garden – at land off Park Lane, Castle Vale – will see work begin first in light of the fact MP Jack Dromey held a meeting about the garden a day before his death earlier this month.
The full list of memorial gardens have been chosen following consultation with residents, community groups, parks staff and councillors. It consists of:
Edgbaston – Grove Park
Erdington – Land off Park Lane, Castle Vale
Hall Green – Highbury Park
Hodge Hill – Ward End Park
Ladywood – Phillips Street Park
Northfield – Barcheston Recreation Ground
Perry Barr – George’s Park
Selly Oak – Dawberry Fields
Sutton Coldfield – Rectory Park
Yardley – Stechford Recreation Ground
The gardens will feature a central pebble bed with visitors invited to write the name of someone they have lost on individual stones.
They will also include trees spaced at two-metre intervals – referencing social distancing guidance – while communities will have the opportunity to work with the city council to choose plant and shrub types.
A design image released by the council shows three benches surrounding the central circle of pebbles with an outer ring of trees and planting.
Council leader Councillor Ian Ward said: “It is really important to remember and pay tribute to those we have lost in the city as a result of the pandemic.
“Every person that has been lost to Covid-19 was dearly loved by their family, friends and colleagues.
“We are grateful for the input we have received from residents and councillors on where the memorials should be located in their areas and hope they provide a focal point for people to remember and reflect.
“The tributes that were paid from across the political divide following the death of Jack show how well respected and regarded he was by the people of Erdington – and given that one of the last meetings he ever had was in support of residents who had suggested a location for a memorial in their area means that it is a fitting tribute to ensure work on the first of these gardens starts in his constituency.”
Councillor John O’Shea, cabinet member for street scene and parks, said: “One of the key things to come out of the pandemic is the valuable contribution our parks and open spaces had to play for the people of Birmingham.
“They provided a location for exercise and meeting – and the use of parks rose significantly when much of society was locked down to control the spread of the virus.
“These gardens will help signify the role parks have played during these times as well as giving people a way in which to remember those we have lost and everything that has happened during these tragic times.
“I thank those that have helped us develop this idea from residents to councillors and MPs, as well as our parks staff who have once again stepped up and provided us with a design that I know will be warmly welcomed by residents and park users.”
The parks will be maintained by Birmingham City Council – which also welcomes volunteer support.
The city council is also working on plans for a “suitable city memorial”.
