Friends of Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground

Park plans exhibited!

2010-10-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday the plans for Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground were exhibited at 125 Lambeth Walk.

Click on any of the photos below to see it in a larger size.

The main points of the plan are:

-create a new shallow water feature on the site of the existing disused water feature with fountains and a pump for children to play with

-move the entrance at Lambeth High Street to the corner junction with Old Paradise Street, creating a direct diagonal path across the path with better sightlines and a more obvious and welcoming entrance.

-renovate the existing play area and create a new natural play area in the north east corner

-redesign the walled garden, lowering wall and creating a growing area

-remove dense shrubs and some trees, and thin out remaining trees to improve sightlines and light

-create a boundary path around the perimeter

-new gates for the two entrances, and new wires above existing fencing for plants to be trailed along, raising the fence height to deter nighttime intruders

-excavate a route through the existing mound in the centre of the park to improve sightline from Whitgift House side to the water feature

Plans for the park ready to be shown

2010-10-15T06:46:00.001-07:00

The Friends have been working hard during the year consulting park users and working with the Council's architect on the plans for a major refurbishment of the park.

The architect's proposals are now ready to be exhibited next Wednesday, 20 October 2010 at 125 Lambeth Walk from 8am until 8pm. 125 Lambeth Walk is the headquarters of the Whitgift Estate Residents' Association, next door to the SureStart office, facing onto the 'market square' off Lambeth Walk.

All are welcome to come and look at the plans and put forward their views.The Friends would be keen to encourage people with an interest in the group to join as members (it's currently free!) and will be consulting residents on their plans to change the name of the park to 'Old Paradise Gardens'.

Bus trip - Paradise Park

2010-08-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

Paradise Park is a medium-sized park in Islington.

The Children's Centre is supposed to have a living wall - however it appears to have died (perhaps in the cold winter)

Sturdy granite seating

Chess tables

Chess tables

Raised beds (and Maureen)

Play area with equipment and palm trees

Meadow area - mostly thistles and few flowers

Dog enforcement - could we have these signs in Lambeth?

We liked/ thought:

-Peace garden – layout contemplative and relaxed
-Disappointing green wall which had died
-Children’s Centre – play area

-Paradise – it wasn’t!
-Liked the raised beds

-Chess tables were nice
-Raised beds

-Chess tables

-No living wall!
-Had very good seating area/ dog –free with chess tables, seating and raised beds
-It had a lot of open space

-Raised beds
-Chess tables
-Dog-free area
-Meadow was disappointing – they are clearly tricky to maintain

Bus trip - Butterfield Green

2010-08-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

Butterfield Green is a small community park in Stoke Newington.

Community orchard - award-winning planting outside the park creating attractive public space. Fruit trees grown to trail along wires to create a wall effect.

Entrance to the park

'Prairie planting' - inspired by ideas used at Potters Fields

The water feature - a rocky brook with running water

Children's bridge over the brook

Water pump and water play table

Area with playground and table tennis tables

We liked/ thought:

-Table tennis – ideal – cheap and cheerful
-Water pump – cheap, cheerful and fun
-Orchard on the road – could be on the edge of Rec on by the sides of park

-Water feature, rocks and water play table – no need for a playground!
-Table tennis

-Water feature – pump and stream – bridge – popular with children
-Naturalistic and low maintenance
-Urban orchard – road feature

-Liked the water feature which coupled as play area
-Also lots of activities like table tennis

-Water feature
-Orchard – apple trees as a boundary
-Central feature – gathering place
-Popular with children/ families
-Water feature/ playground integral with park
-Kids play in the woods area

-Excellent water feature – fun river for children to play in
-Table tennis tables

Bus trip - Potters Fields

2010-08-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

Potters Fields is a small park on the riverside next to City Hall and Tower Bridge. It was renovated and newly planted fairly recently.

Entrance metalwork

Planting by Dutch gardener - use of grasses and complimentary plants. Subtle colouring and few 'flowers'.

Granite seating with colourful pattern resonate of pottery

Multi-trunked birch trees (and Suda)

Neglected food growing area

We liked/ thought:

-Planting – relaxed, grasses, swathe of subtle colour – attractive for butterflies
-benches/ seating – contemporary feel
-trees – white trunks – contemporary feel

-Planting and trees
-Decorative benches, though didn’t like the individual benches which only seat one person
-Entrance is good, but unusual

-Attractive colourful low-maintenance planting
-Bonded resin paths!

-Seating is most attractive and colourful
-Raised flower beds could go over the raised mounds of graves
-Flowers on the edge of footpaths

-Entrance railings
-Granite edging
-Birch trees

-Planting - alive, colourful, sustainable

-Benches with porcelain patterns, and liked the individual bench seats

-Shiny, sharp, modern materials

-Is there a role for prairie planting in the Rec- along the pathway?

Bus trip - Myatts Fields

2010-08-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

Myatts Fields is a medium-sized Victorian Park in Brixton/ Camberwell, which has recently been extensively renovated and holds a Green Flag.

Railings

Wild area and pond

Bandstand

Children's wet play area

Astroturf on football pitch

We liked/ thought:

-attractive bandstand
-was the wild area properly maintained?

-Sunday music at the bandstand – attraction drawing people into the park

-café
-bandstand/ music
-peaceful atmosphere
-dog-free sitting/ sunbathing area

-water feature only works at certain times – reported to be good
-Victorian but contemporary

-nice toilets
-entrance planting
-bandstand

-loos
-children’s water feature – just pipes and a wet play area (flat and open)
-bandstand
-buildings are a focus of activity
-does a wild area work?
-the Rec has no central focus
-popularity of music

Bus trip - Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park

2010-08-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park is a medium-sized park in which the Imperial War Museum stands. We visited the rangers' area where fruit and veg are grown, the sports facilities, and an orchard area.

Growing plants up a wall

Mulberries

Runner beans

Good plant - Bowles Mauve

Bonded resin path - most of us liked it

Orchard - note spacing of the trees

Grapes and fruit bushes grown against a fence

What we liked:

-orchard
-sports facilities/ courts
-mulberry tree / fruit trees

-fruit and veg grown against a wall
-not prescriptively designed – people find the spaces for their mood/ activity
-tennis and sport – demand for it
-involvement of rangers important
-novelty of the mulberry tree

-beautiful mulberry tree (with public picking days)

-orchard and bushes grown up the wall

-fruit and veg as part of the ornamental planting around the park
-rangers involved

Picnic in the park

2010-06-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

This afternoon dozens of park user enjoyed chatting with Friends and the Council's architect at a special pinic in the park.

Many park users wrote their view on cards - see their views below and add your own

The Garden Museum ran cake decoration for children and gave out seed packets to people who gave their views.

Views

1) Fill in the water feature. CCTV cameras in areas around the park are driving drug dealing and drug use into the park

2) More facilities for children - eg schools to be involved in allotment-type schemes. Skateboard park where water feature is. Take bushes out to make paths more open and safe. Trim back trees. Supervised paddling pool and sandpit?

3) Fill in the water feature. Drug users are encouraged to use the park because of extensive CCTV coverage in the estates surrounding the park.

4) More facilities for children - eg schools to be involved in allotments-type schemes. Skateboard park where old water feature is. Take bushes out by path to make it more open and safe. Keep the trees but trim them back so children don't swing on them. Create a paddling pool/ sandpit (would need supervision?)

5) Phased approach a good idea. Water feature is fun - but need to coordinate to Vauxhall Gardens development plan. Best thing about the park is that it is quiet and peaceful - keeping this is essential. Why not have a story telling tree?

6) Kennington resident: likes the park as it is. Would like a new water feature and more allotments.

7) I think it is nice as it is. Would like a nice water fountain and more flowers in the walled garden, and a pond with fish.

8) Dog walker: likes the fact the park is very quiet and would like it to stay exactly as it is!

9) We could have a more exciting playground and maybe more stuff like fairs and gardening activities.

10) Vauxhall Gardens resident: Would like a new water feature - but with no depth of water so it s safe for children. Would like more colour in the park.

11) Would like CCTV and new and improved water feature.

12) Likes the nice mature trees, which are generally well-maintained. Allotments are a good idea and good for local schools. Pull down the water feature and replace with a skate park.

13) As a resident in the area I would like to see the children's playground with more things, big with a lot more space for the kids. If you can do something with the entrance because it is dark, with the trees. Something like a fountain for the kids to enjoy the summer or for Sundays to come with the family.

14) Nice park, as a dog walker I like parks, would appreciate a meadow area with wild flowers etc. Would also be nice to have the water feature is costs allow.

15) Restore the water feature! And keep the name as Burial Park or Water Park.

16) I like it as it is. I'd like to see the water feature improved so that it works all year round with the water only being turned off if there's a drought.

17) I would like to see the park opened up a bit more to avoid any dark/ enclosed areas, so to feel more confident and safe. Also a water feature would be nice. A separate area for dog walkers and children. Enclosed dog-proof play/ picnic and walking area. Basically the more open areas in the park the better - no hiding places for dealers etc. Improved lighting might be a deterrent?

18) Basically it's a nice open space. Think the large concrete/ brick water feature should go and something smaller put in its place. Along with a few flower beds.

19) Needs a clean and tidy play area. Needs more open space and bushes cutting back because the park is very weary.

20) I would like the water feature back in the park. Thank you.

21) I like the park. Would like the water feature back and a better playground.

22) We need to promote 'oases' like this in London, and make them accessible and attractive to all sectors in the community. The gardens could be a source of pleasure and education to children in particular who have little outside space of their own, teaching them about nature and how to create and preserve gardens.

23) It's a great park, I like the new name [the Friends' suggested name of 'Old Paradise Gardens]. I think it just needs a little bit of work to tidy it up and maybe do something with the water feature.

Picnic in Paradise!

2010-06-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Friends of Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground are hosting a

Picnic in Paradise

Saturday 26 June

2pm - 4pm

Free, drop-in children's activities, bring your own picnic

You can tell us and the park's designer your wishes for the park and vote on whether to change the name to 'Old Paradise Gardens'

If you can't join us, you can still have your say - email friends.lambethrec@googlemail.com or comment under this post

Walkabout notes

2010-03-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

FRIENDS OF LAMBETH HIGH STREET RECREATION GROUND
WALKROUND SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2010

ATTENDEES:
COUNCILLOR MARK HARRISON, DAVE TARLO, MAUREEN JOHNSTON, BARBARA WILLIAMS, JANINE NELSON, MAVIS MATE, EILEEN BAGGE.

The committee originally planned a walk around the Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground (LHSRG) to complete a comparison of the existing features and the planned renovations. However, Maureen Johston who is Chairman of Kennington, Oval and Vauxhall Association and Friend of Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park atteended and was able to share valuable experience. Thus, the committee agreed to change the agenda of the meeting, and instead, made a list of all the repairs, items that needed to be removed or replaced. Proposals of what will also be required in the completed park was discussed and noted.
This has resulted inthe Friends having a list of essential repairs and a wish list that can be prioritised according to urgency and funds available.

SECTION 106 MONEY
Please will Lambeth Parks Projects (LPP) give the committee a full history of the Section 106 money, explaining who has paid the money? Councillor Harrison is currently consulting with the council to determine if there is a time limit that the Section 106 money has to be spent by.

SUMMER FETE
It was agreed at a previous Friends meeting that the committee will hold a Fete in LHSRG inviting locals so that an up-to-date survey can be carried out on the needs and wants of the local residents and users. The committee agree that many of the features of the existing planned proposals are good, but priority needs to go to existing outstanding repairs and must take into consideration the needs of the stakeholders. Without the stakeholders having and feeling full ownership of the park, then vandalism , neglect and other problems will arise.

ENTRANCE
If the proposal of the Lambeth High Street entrance being moved to the corner of Old Paradise Street, then one tree will have to be felled. This would however, give a good view of the park and was generally received favourably.;

FENCING
There is strong consensus that the existing fencing should be retained to keep costs down to essentials for the time being. Will LPP please provide a full costing of how the Section 106 money had been apportioned to each feature throughout the planned proposals? Who will benefit from the replacement fencing? Will it be a local business that gets the tender or should this be a chance to provide training for local unemployed in the future?
The existing gate at the Whitgift Street entrance needs to be replaced and a suitable style and material needs to be agreed.

PERIMETER WALL
There are several areas where the perimeter wall is collapsing and in some cases dangerous. The area dividing the arches, existing gravestones are propping up the wall.
It was agreed that all essential repairs need to be completed to ensure full compliance of Health and Safety Laws and also for security of the park. Councillor Harrison took photographs of broken sections.
The wire fencing dividing the park and Whitgift House car park should be removed and a living divide (such as evergreen, or vine) could be planted. If people enter the park at night, then a temporary fence can be erected until the living fence has grown to an acceptable height.
It was agreed that is essential to keep all original walls and fencing and in some areas, it walls may need to be cleaned.

GRASSED AREA
There is a need to determine where existing graves are situated and how deep there are sited. This is essential to determine if the existing mounds can be flattened. This will improve the surface area and more use can be made of areas that are currently only used by dog walkers.

PATHS
There is currently too much concrete, paving stones and even tarmac areas and paths that need to be completely replaced with better looking and more durable paths. There is also a requirement for a perimeter path, to make full use of the whole park area and will provide stakeholders with a jogging path. The possibility of the circumference being measured, so joggers can estimate the distance covered but laps of the park, was also suggested.

WATER FEATURE
This is an area of concern as the existing feature is ugly and dangerous. It was agreed that this is a very important feature of the park and careful decisions need to be made as to how much needs to be spent. The possibility of going along with the existing plans or wait and seek additional Section 106 money was discussed and needs to be decided in the near future.

GRAVESTONES AND TOMBS
The committee were happy that the gravestones and tombs will be given full attention and in most cases, be mounted on the perimeter wall. A proposal to keep the theme of the park as a memorial and sell wall mounted brass plaques to commemorate events such as births, deaths, marriages, retirements, including death of much loved pets, would be an excellent fund raiser and will ensure a regular income. This would also help the longevity of the park at a time of huge redevelopment.

WATER
There is an necessity for access to at least one or two water taps for watering the plants and a need for a drinking fountain.

GRAFFITI
Graffiti is a constant problem on the adjoining Costa Coffee Wall and a deterrent and need to minimise access is essential.

CHILDRENS PLAY AREA
The committee is not able to determine the likely use of a renovated play area as there are several in the area. Consultation with an expert and locals may be necessary to determine what should be installed. Signage of maximum child age limit would need to placed, but this is difficult to enforce. Committee members also discussed the possibility of a Summer House with mains electric and water in a fenced area, with planting and a small polytunnel for children. This would ensure good use by the Garden Museum and also local schools and may also be another source of regular income.
Fencing in of the play area with suitable fencing materials, including necessary height will need to be ascertained.

SECURITY
Community Police will be willing to attend to advise on essential security requirements. Existing lights do not work and should be repaired or replaced. The possibility of solar lights, that do not disturb wildlife should be researched and decided.

TREES AND SHRUBS
There is a need for a full survey of all existing trees and shrubs. Varieties of trees need to be ascertained and in some cases, squirrel guards installed to encourage bird nesting.
Thames Reach in Lambeth High Street will need to be consulted and asked to remove the dead and rampant Russian Ivy that is growing over the wall and existing trees.

MORTUARY CORNER
There is an area near Costa Coffee, which was part of the old Mortuary and a remaining tiled brick wall still remains. This is a feature that could be researched for historical interest.

ORCHARD
The area near Whitgift Street entrance has been proposed as a future orchard is well received and the fruit trees planted by the Garden Museum would be replanted there.

WALLED GARDEN
The curved brick structure needs to be removed and the gravestones re-sited. Using this area as a quiet area with gates was positively received.

DOGS
Many dog owners use the park and it was agreed that if residents and existing dog owners self police the park and encourage responsible ownership, with bins, bags and signage, then this may be sufficient. This is successfully happening in the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park.

FURNITURE
There is a need for tables, chairs, benches and waste bins. These may be provided by local businesses.

USE OF TOILETS
Discussions relating to use of toilets were debated and a general consensus to use the existing scheme whereby the council pay local businesses to use their toilets was generally agreed.

PLANTS AND PLANTING
Plants and planting needs to be planned and agreed. Consultation with the existing gardeners will be needed as they will be able to give good advice about what works and what needs constant attention. It is proposed that locals and the Friends Group will contribute to the upkeep of the park in addition to the council gardeners.

Walkabout 40

2010-03-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Current 1980s fencing.
Apple trees have been planted too close together? Should be moved to the new orchard area at Whitgift Street entrance?

Walkabout 39

2010-03-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Path of concrete blocks by allotment area.

Walkabout 38

2010-03-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Back to the walled garden area, Low curved brick wall to be removed. Unattractive
boundary with Thames Reach Centre. Attractive old railings should be retained.

Walkabout 37

2010-03-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Friends in the walled garden. This could be a place where memorial plaques could be sited, which could be an opportunity to raise money for the park.

Walkabout 36

2010-03-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

‘Watch House, 1825’. By entrance next to Thames Reach.

Walkabout 35

2010-03-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Walled garden area.
1980s light column- what should be the future of lighting in the park? Does it need to be lit if it is closed at dusk?

Walkabout 34

2010-03-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Walled garden area with attractive arching in brick wall

Walkabout 33

2010-03-19T13:19:00.002-07:00

Gravestones mounted in low curved brick wall. The engraving on the stones has
worn away entirely.

Walkabout 32

2010-03-19T13:19:00.001-07:00

Perimeter fence of walled garden. Attractive and should be retained.

Walkabout 31

2010-03-19T13:17:00.002-07:00

Walled garden – back wall to be improved- painted? Remove curved low brick wall.

Walkabout 30

2010-03-19T13:17:00.001-07:00

Russian ivy from Thames Reach Centre overgrowing. Underused corner.

Walkabout 29

2010-03-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

View towards Gabriel House

Walkabout 28

2010-03-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

View east towards railway viaduct

Walkabout 27

2010-03-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Underused corner by Whitgift House/ Thames Reach

Walkabout 26

2010-03-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Unsightly wire fence dividing Whitgift House from the park. Replace with natural hedge? Or attractive railings?

Walkabout 25

2010-03-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

Gravestones already lined up against wall. Developers of 2 Whitgift Street have installed trellis at top of wall – growing opportunity

Walkabout 24

2010-03-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

Dense foliage obscuring the perimeter path (by back of 2 Whitgift Street). Needs
replacing to open up path to make it more attractive.

Walkabout 23

2010-03-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

‘Orchard’ entrance from Whitgift Street. Walled garden effect. Long term aim: to improve look of/ screen the walls and viaduct and remove graffiti

Walkabout 22

2010-03-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

'Orchard’ entrance from Whitgift Street. Walled garden effect. Need for planting along the wall.

Walkabout 21

2010-03-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Entrance gate on Whitgift Street – gate needs replacing but Victorian fence railings
should be kept

Walkabout 20

2010-03-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

‘Orchard’ entrance from Whitgift Street. Walled garden effect. Pointless low brick walls should be removed. In the background – the fence railings which should be kept and the gate which should be replaced.

Walkabout 19

2010-03-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Eastern perimeter – worst boundary of the park. Very ugly back yards of arches
under viaducts. Perhaps some kind of screen could be installed?

Walkabout 18

2010-03-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dense foliage obscuring the perimeter path (by back of 2 Whitgift Street). Pointless
low brick wall could be removed.

Walkabout 17

2010-03-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Eastern perimeter – ugliest boundary of the park. Gravestones appear to be propping
up the wall which is leaning alarmingly. Perhaps need for screening from top of the wall – eg from 2m to 5m high

Walkabout 16

2010-03-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Eastern perimeter wall. Back of Costa Coffee factory. Need for screening? In the future: any development of the sites should make better use of the boundary of the park – attractive walling, windows, balconies, active boundary

Walkabout 15

2010-03-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

NE corner of park – mortuary tiled brick wall – painted dark green. Are rubble remains of mortuary building under this corner of the park? Will levelling be possible? Interesting archaeology? Make more of the heritage?

Walkabout 14

2010-03-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Eastern perimeter – Costa coffee factory. Green painted wall is attractive and disguises graffiti. Graffiti on factory needs removing. Factory needs screening? In the future: any development of the sites should make better use of the boundary of the park – attractive walling, windows, balconies, active boundary

Walkabout 13

2010-03-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Current playground – strange seating area which most Friends didn’t like.

Walkabout 12

2010-03-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Corner of entrance to water feature and playground – missing low rail

Walkabout 11

2010-03-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

Main path and seating area by water feature. Empty tree pits and random concrete
block. Dark foliage planting

Walkabout 10

2010-03-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Empty tree pit up close

Walkabout 9

2010-03-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

Current play area – moss has grown over an unsatisfactory surface. Play equipment
is ok but could be better. Wooden fencing is old and dark.

Walkabout 8

2010-03-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Rotting wooden seating at back of water feature

Walkabout 7

2010-03-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Current water feature. Plans for improvement are ok, but Friends want to think more
about a long-term replacement. Uneven paving.

Walkabout 6

2010-03-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Corner of wall at Gabriel House boundary. Brick corner pillar is leaning because plant is rooted into wall.

Walkabout 5

2010-03-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

Corner of wall at Gabriel House boundary. Plaque recording the closure of the
burial ground and its opening for public use by Lambeth’s vestry. Currently obscured
behind brick vault and bushes – should be more prominent, and engraving restored?

Walkabout 4

2010-03-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

By Old Paradise Street boundary – concrete block – what is it? 1970s sculpture or something more?

Walkabout 3

2010-03-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Gravestone by eastern boundary of Gabriel House

Walkabout 2

2010-03-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

View from proposed new entrance to park at corner of Old Paradise Street and
Lambeth High Street. To create a straight diagonal path the tree closest to the green sign will have to be moved. Alternatively the path could wiggle slightly through the two trees though this might not look satisfactory. New trees should be planted alongside the new path to continue the avenue of trees.

Walkabout 1

2010-03-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

What is this?? 1970s concrete sculpture or something more?

Contact us

2010-03-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

Email: secretary.friends.of.lambeth.rec@gmail.com

Write to: 125 Lambeth Walk, SE11 6EE

Next meeting

2010-03-06T14:45:00.001-08:00

The committee meet regularly, and all are welcome to join us.

The plans for the park will be exhibited next Wednesday, 20 October, from 8am to 8pm

At:
125 Lambeth Walk, SE11 6EE

The Friends will be holding a follow up meeting the following week, date tbc.

Who are the Friends?

2010-03-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

Chair: Mark Harrison

Secretary: Eileen Bagge

Treasurer: Mavis Maite

Where is the park?

2010-03-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

This map shows exactly where the park is:

View Untitled in a larger map

How to join the Friends

2010-03-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Membership is currently free, and we would be delighted to welcome you as a member.

Simply contact our Secretary by emailing secretary.friends.of.lambeth.rec@gmail.com and you will be added to our membership list.

It would be helpful if you include your full name and address in the email.