Vivary Park, Public park in Taunton, England
Vivary Park is a public park in Taunton that spans several hectares with garden areas, walking paths, tennis courts, and a decorative fountain at its center. The grounds also include a golf course, an adventure center with high ropes facilities, a children's play area, and bowling courts managed by the Taunton Bowling Club.
The land was originally a medieval fish farm serving the priory and castle, with the name Vivary deriving from the Latin word vivarium, reflecting its aquaculture roots. In the 19th century, it evolved into a public park, with the annual flower show first taking place in 1851.
The park hosts the annual Taunton Flower Show, which has drawn gardening enthusiasts from the region since 1851. This event remains a key part of the local calendar and reflects the area's long tradition of horticulture.
The park offers different areas to explore, from gardens and walking paths to sports facilities and an adventure center, making it accessible for various interests and age groups. Visitors can walk around the entire grounds in a single day, with open paths and clear markings making navigation straightforward.
A Victorian fountain installed in 1907 stands as a central feature and was built as a memorial to Queen Victoria using funds from Edward VII coronation celebrations. This fountain is often overlooked by visitors but reflects the park's connection to royal history.
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