Footsteps Around the Park - Eureka Park's Past

A short gentle walk taking less than an hour celebrating the history of Eureka Park. Come and discover why the park was created, the reason for its name and the changes that have taken place since its inauguration.

Today the park is home to a crown green bowling green, two tennis courts, two football pitches, a crazy golf course, play area, natural water play area, open space and hard-standing with a grassed amphitheatre. The floral clock was installed following the coronation of George VI in 1937. This has been replaced by a sundial called Now is the Hour.

As you wander through the park there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as blackbirds, mistle thrush and other small garden birds, carrion crow and wood pigeons. The herbaceous borders and ornamental shrubs attract butterflies and other insects in late Spring and Summer and mallards make use of the brooks.

Purple loosestrife and sedges grow alongside the brook and provide shelter for invertebrates. There are a variety of trees throughout the park – ornamental species and native and some planted as memorials. Also look out for Sweet Chestnuts, Horse Chestnuts (conkers) and the more recently planted Holm Oak, Sweet Gum and Antarctic Beech trees.

Begin the walk either at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum on West Street, Swadlincote or from Newhall Road, Swadlincote.

Acknowledgements go to Dot Morson, Graham Nutt and The Magic Attic for their help in creating this walk, advice and local knowledge. Also to Swadlincote ATC for trialling the route.