Mark Richardson, who grew up on Salisbury Road in Harrow, has come full circle from his days as a child playing in Harrow Recreation Ground.
Now, more than 40 years later, he leads a team of gardeners responsible for maintaining the same park and others across the borough.
Known as the “Green Team,” Richardson’s group is highly valued by the local user association for their efforts to keep Harrow Rec in top condition. Their work includes maintaining sports pitches, tending to flower beds and borders, and managing the increasing litter after busy weekends.
In the 1990s, Harrow Rec had a dedicated staff of eight gardeners. They maintained not only the cricket pitches but also grass tennis courts, a putting green, a bowling green, and several croquet lawns that were once used by national champions. Today, the croquet lawns and grass courts are gone, and Richardson’s mobile team of 20 is responsible for the Rec and over 80 other parks and open spaces. Their current focus is ensuring the nine cricket pitches in the area are ready for weekend games.
Richardson’s connection to Harrow Rec runs deep. As a youth, he spent countless hours in the park with his brother and friends, often finding themselves in trouble with the park keeper. Despite early struggles with dyslexia and a challenging school life at Marlborough and Hatch End High, Richardson found his calling when he joined Harrow Council’s Parks team as a Youth Training Scheme trainee in 1991.
Initially frustrated by the requirement to attend college once a week, he quickly discovered his talent for gardening and grounds maintenance. He earned several City & Guilds qualifications, including a distinction in Fine Turf Management.
Throughout his career, Richardson has navigated numerous changes within the Parks Department, but he has always returned to the work he loves at Harrow Rec. His long tenure has given him a unique perspective on the park’s evolution. One of his fond memories is planting a “Mayoral Oak” in 1996, now towering over 10 metres tall.
Richardson’s dedication to his work was recently recognised when he and his team received an award at Harrow Council’s “Staff Stars” event. Despite his modesty, it’s clear that his passion for the job and the park shines through in everything he does.
Source: HarrowRec.org.uk / Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association
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