| Norwood Park | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Interactive map of Norwood Park | |
| Location | London,SE19 United Kingdom |
| Operated by | Lambeth Council |
| Public transit access |  Gipsy Hill |
| Website | https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/parks/norwood-park |
Norwood Park is a 13.3-hectare (33-acre) park located inWest Norwood. The park is bordered by Elder Road, Central Hill and Salter's Hill in South East London. The park is managed byLambeth Council and the community group known as “Friends of Norwood Park”. It sits on one of the highest points in Lambeth.[1] For a number of years, the concrete sports pitch has been used by Flatland BMX riders who refer to it as 'The Green Mile' or 'TGM' for short.[2]
In the 13th century, theGreat North Wood, in addition to being a food source, was "a vital supplier of timber for the Royal Dockyards atDeptford".[3] At one point the land was called Elder Hole Coppice (giving the name to nearby Elder Road).[4] As the wood was gradually lost to city development in the early 19th Century, the remaining 33 acres of green space was finally bought from the then owners the Ecclesiastical Commissioners (paid for by Lambeth Council, London County Council and community donations) in 1903 to develop the park for local residents, officially opening 14 June 1911.[5][4][6]
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The river Effra also ran through the park, at its southern point.[7] Three eighteenth century cottages were at a point on the park land, separated behind Elder Road by the Effra and a bridge. The houses were slowly removed as the park formalised, one remained and kept as a storehouse until 1942 when it burnt down.[8][9]
During World War 2 an outdoor theatre was erected to entertain locals,pierrot troupes would be a common performance as people in the city would be less able to go to the seaside.[4]
In 2011 the park celebrated its centenary.[5]
There is a BMX track, hungry hippos cafe, two playgrounds and panoramic view of the city of London which can be enjoyed at benches at the top of a central hill in the park.[10]
There is a traditional children's playground with multi-coloured equipment for smaller children. Salter's Hill playground (which had a more detailed adventure playground layout) has been largely dismantled and there was a public consultation for development in 2022.[11][12]
The park has an active Friends group who work with the community to influence changes and development to facilities in the park. Membership is £5 annually.[13]
51°25′30″N0°5′38″W / 51.42500°N 0.09389°W /51.42500; -0.09389
