Nigel Underhill (MrXeis)

Sandwell Flagship Park. We went on a bank holiday at 9am and unfortunately there was a fun fair there so the litter present may not have been typical. There are basketball, football areas as well as a nicely fenced in area for younger children. But it is a small park (for a "flagship") about 1800 steps around the outside. There was a locked bandstand behind a fence where the youngsters could clearly climb to eat their KFC, but the cleanup crews lack a key to get in and clean up. It looks like the flowerbeds are maintained but not the trees given a fenced off clock obscured by trees.

This is a surprisingly large nature reserve that seems to sit mostly behind Russell's Hall hospital. It can be quite hilly in parts but the paths seem quite visible and easy to work you way around. More of a stick than ball nature reserve for dog walkers. Lovely walk which was over 5000 steps without going back on ourselves.

Pensnett Canal Basin on the Dudley canal a good example of black country industrial architecture. There is a small area of green grass that has been labelled "Canal Park" but it's not a park. You can walk south towards merry hill and there are plenty of ducks, swans and geese to see. Be careful with dogs off lead as there appears to be nesting swans on the opposite side of the bridge.

Decent sized park, a little faded from its heyday with elements of its Victorian ironwork/furniture still surviving. Seems to be kept litter free, basketball, skate park, all weather cricket wicket, fenced in toddlers play area. Large water feature with ducks, geese and swans etc. Plenty of wide open spaces even when cricket is being played.

Nice park with multiple open spaces ideal for throwing the ball for the dog. Multiple full sized football pitches, play areas for younger children, adventure playground which is ok, a real hedge maze, basketball court, skate ramp, outdoor gym equipment. Open 24 hours (no matter what maps says) but carpark closes early. Football on Sundays and quite busy when the sun shines 👍