University Parks

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The Engineering Science Building seen through the University Parks, Oxford

The Oxford University Parks, more normally the University Parks or just The Parks to members of the local community, is one large parkland area slightly northeast of the Oxford city centre. It is open to the public during the day, and boasts beautiful gardens, large sports fields, and rare and exotic plants.

From 1853 to 1864, the University purchased a total of 91 acres (37 hectares) 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 (30 ha). 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 Parks are bounded by Norham Gardens to the north, Parks Road to the west and the Science Area on South Parks Road to the south.

The current superintendent of the Parks is Walter Sawyer.

[edit] 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 first-class cricket ground in the UK where spectators can watch for free.
Seven large tree Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) planted in about 1888.
A circular duck pond with water lilies and a small island, constructed in 1925.
High Bridge, built in 1923–24 as a relief project for the unemployed. It is usually called Rainbow Bridge, because of its shape.
Genetic Garden — an experimental garden established by Professor Cyril Darlington to demonstrate evolutionary processes.
Styphnolobium japonicum, 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.