Today’s Friday Photo is Brookvale Park Lake. This lake, along with the nearby Witton Lakes, were formed artificially in the 19^th century as drinking water reservoirs for Birmingham. The lake is though fed from two natural brooks that rise from Kingstanding and Bleak Hill in Erdington. Once in the countryside, the area eventually fell victim to rapid urban sprawl and industrialisation, making the water no longer fit for drinking. Birmingham then turned to the Welsh Elan Valley for its water. Brookvale lake and surrounding land were then used as a recreational space for the public. During the early 20^th century the lake was even used as an open air swimming pool people also enjoyed recreational boating.  Today the lake remains within Brookvale Park and is enjoyed by many.