Walking through Harrow Recreation Ground at this time of year is truly special, if you are a fall fanatic, there is no better time to go for a stroll in one of the borough’s largest parks.
It’s often said that the most memories made in the year happen in Autumn, it’s not quite the heat of summer and it’s not quite the coldness of winter, a pleasant mixture of both, one would say.
With this in mind, is the perfect opportunity to take a look around the local parks in Harrow and see what they have to offer. Harrow Recreation Ground is one of the largest parks in Harrow, constructed in 1904 and close to the town centre, it seems as though there is something for everybody here.
The park has four entrances that can be found on Hindes Road, Cunningham Park, Roxborough Road, and Beresford Road and boasts a large car park at the entrance in Cunningham Park.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the park’s facilities. Sport, as we’ve discovered recently, is a favourite pass time for Harrow residents. The excellent news with Harrow Recreation Ground, also known as Cunningham Park for some, is that it facilitates many – cricket, football, bowls, tennis and basketball are just a few to mention.
Harrow St Marys football and cricket clubs are based in the park, both of which have been around for many years and compete at the highest level in Middlesex leagues. Both the cricket and football club train and host matches in Harrow Recreation Ground, usually on the weekends but occasionally during the week.
Another club based in the park is Harrow Bowls Club (who are currently looking for new players!). A sport generally associated with older generations but is gradually increasing in popularity with a younger audience. Harrow Bowls Club is one of the largest of its kind in Middlesex and is highly regarded as one of the best in North London.
Harrow Park Run is based here too and they hold open sessions every Saturday morning at 9am located next to the Harrow St Marys clubhouse. Sessions are free to attend, you don’t even have to ‘run’ as walking participants are welcome too however they do ask that people register on their website prior to coming along.
In addition to the above, the park also has tennis and basketball courts. Located at the rear of the park, the courts are amongst the best in Harrow and when not occupied by players, you often find exercise classes held on the courts.
A special ‘peace garden’ was opened in Harrow Recreation Ground in October 2020 after the park received funding and volunteer contributions from the OneJAIN organisation. The opening of the Ahimsa Peace Garden, as it is now known, was in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. A special sculpture has been put in place to commemorate the garden.
The playground, as you would expect, is also one of the best we have seen in Harrow and is often full of children and families playing. Climbing frames, an inclusive swing, roundabouts and sensory activities can be found to keep children entertained throughout your time here, it really is one of the better places to go in the borough if it’s a nice day.
One final mention has to be for the park café, Seva Park Cafe is a delightful spot to meet friends, have a cup of tea or coffee and look out over the park. It sells a variety of ice creams, cakes, hot drinks, and does one of the nicest hot chocolates we’ve tried!
There’s always lots going on in the park so stay up to date with the happenings by visiting the park website frequently.
