Etruria Park

Etruria Park an oasis for play

Etruria park was surrounded by more closely by heavy industry than any of the other parks. The green of Etruria Valley had gone and the park was a small but welcome substitute for adults to relax and children to play.

By 1907 a children's play area was established - however it was not until the late 1970's when the steelworks opposite had closed that the air stopped smelling of soot, smoke and sulphur.

Originally there were separate areas for boys and girls and the gravel semi-circular area was off Dundee Road, later the area was combined for both boys and girls to use.

The very high slide and witches hat were removed in the 1970's as they were perceived to by too dangerous. Later the majority of the equipment was removed and most of the area grassed over.

Children playing in Etruria Park c. 1950

A well known photograph showing children playing on a see-saw. The Shelton Bar iron and steel works dominates the background.