St Andrews Park may soon welcome a new addition that blends fun, history and education—a sundial that promises to be both a timepiece and a learning resource for the local community. This exciting project is the brainchild of local resident Nick Banks, with the backing of the Friends of St Andrews Park (FoSAP). Together, they aim to collaborate with the council and residents to turn this vision into reality.
The inspiration for this project comes from the park’s past, as there was once a sundial standing in the park many years ago. While the original sundial is no longer there, traces of its stone plinth still remain, reminding us of the park’s rich history. The proposed new sundial seeks to honor this legacy while adding a fresh, interactive element for today’s visitors.
Though the idea is still in its early exploratory stages, careful thought will be given to the sundial’s location within the park. Given the spread of mature trees and their shade, the original suggestion to place it near the Effingham Rd entrance might not be ideal. The final site will be chosen to ensure it receives enough sunlight while maintaining the park’s natural beauty.
Nick Banks and FoSAP envision a sundial that not only enhances the park’s aesthetic appeal but also serves as an educational tool. There is a possibility of adding informational plaques that explain how sundials function and delve into the history of timekeeping. This could provide local schools with an opportunity to use the sundial as a resource for teaching science, history, and art in an engaging, outdoor setting.
Nick, along with FoSAP, is eager to hear from the community. They are seeking ideas, feedback, and support to shape the proposal and secure funding. Community participation will be crucial to bringing this project to life, whether through design contributions, donations, or simply sharing your thoughts.
We encourage everyone to get involved and help us make this project a reality. To contribute your ideas or learn more about the project, please visit our website or join us at our next community meeting. Together, we can create a new landmark in St Andrews Park that reflects our shared history and creativity. Please get in touch – fosapsecretary@gmail.com
