In a celebration of community spirit and dedicated volunteerism, the Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association proudly accepted not one, but two prestigious awards at the Harrow’s Heroes 2023 event held on September 13th at Headstone Manor’s Great Barn.
Representatives from the Harrow Rec Users Association, a collective of individuals committed to the preservation and enhancement of Harrow Recreation Ground, attended the awards ceremony to collect the well-deserved honours on behalf of all the volunteers.
The association comprises approximately 12 organisers, over 70 volunteers, and around 300 members who actively contribute to funding and participating in various community events throughout the year.
The first accolade, “Team of the Year,” recognised the efforts of the association throughout the year. Their tireless work in maintaining the park and organising free, inclusive events for the community earned them this prestigious award.
Harrow Recreation Ground has become a space for residents to relax, engage in outdoor activities, and enjoy sports since its establishment in the late 19th century. The offers excellent sports amenities for both adults and children.
It boasts five tennis courts, three football pitches, a basketball court, a bowling green, and a croquet lawn for all to enjoy. Additionally, a specially designed play area caters to children with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and fun for everyone.
The second award, “Volunteers of the Year,” left the team in awe, surrounded by fellow volunteers who exemplify the spirit of community service across the borough. This award acknowledges the outstanding contributions of the Harrow Rec Users Association volunteers in preserving the park as a safe, clean, and welcoming environment, along with their commitment to organising a diverse range of fun and inclusive events.
Harrow Recreation Ground, located just a stone’s throw from the town centre plays a pivotal role in offering residents a much-needed respite from urban life. Over the years, the association’s volunteers have actively collaborated with the council’s Green and Clean Teams to tackle litter, graffiti, and garden maintenance. They also coordinate approximately ten free events each year, including music performances, children’s bug hunts, fun days, and celebrations of national events.
Beyond their efforts to maintain the park, the association also serves as an advocacy group, collaborating with local sports clubs and activity groups to represent the interests of the Rec and the local community in discussions with Harrow Council and the borough’s parks forum. Their dedication has been instrumental in ensuring the park’s consistent recognition with the prestigious Green Flag Award, which they have held for over 15 years.
None of these achievements would be possible without the dedication of the association’s volunteers, who tirelessly engage in activities such as litter cleanup, gardening, baking, and event setup. Their commitment extends beyond event days, as they work diligently to ensure the park remains tidy and welcoming for visitors.
Their efforts are especially crucial for those in the area who lack personal open spaces, providing a vital escape for many residents. Their events also offer a unique opportunity for residents from diverse backgrounds to come together and celebrate national occasions when street parties may not be an option.
While reveling in the well-deserved recognition of their double awards, the Harrow Rec Users Association remains dedicated to their ongoing work. Their plans for the future include launching a tree labelling and awareness project, ensuring park users are trained to use a defibrillator in emergencies, advocating for necessary infrastructure repairs, and competing for local investments to further enhance the park.
Harrow Online applauds the team for their dedication and outstanding contributions to our community. We extend our congratulations to this remarkable group of individuals and look forward to their continued success as they continue enhancing Harrow Recreation Ground.
Here’s to many more years of community spirit and positive impact!
