“A hidden gem,” some might call it. Parsloes Park is a 58-hectare public park in Dagenham. It is a vibrant space owned and managed by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Let’s explore its story.
Parsloes Park gets its name from the Passelewe family. They owned this land back in the thirteenth century. Imagine the manor house that once stood here. Paintings of it are kept safe at Valence House Museum.
Fast forward to 1923. The London County Council acquired the land. The park officially opened on July 13, 1935. Christopher Addison MP did the honors. This marked the completion of the Becontree estate.
Parsloes Park offers something for everyone. Kids can enjoy the play area. Sports enthusiasts can use the football pitches, tennis courts and basketball court. There is even a bowling green and a lake.
In 2024, the Bobby Moore Sports Hub opened. It is named after the famous footballer. This hub has 16 grass pitches and three 3G pitches. May & Baker FC and Athletic Newham FC use one of the 3G pitches. Other teams from the Essex Alliance Football League also play here. Bakers693, CSM London, Waltham Forest Borough and Philip United all use these pitches. The hub also has a pavilion. Inside, you will find a gym and a café.
Did you know there is a special area called Parsloes Park Squatts? It is a Local Nature Reserve. This small area near the Wren Road entrance is managed for wildlife. It features rough acid grassland and a historic hedge.
In the 1930s, the Gores Brook was buried. It used to flow through Parsloes Park. The brook was channelled into a pipe. Now, it runs underground for about 430 meters. It is under the eastern part of the park. But there are plans to bring it back. In 2022, Thames21 announced a project to deculvert the brook. This project is supported by the Mayor of London’s Green and Resilient Spaces fund.
Parsloes Park has multiple entrances. You can enter from Parsloes Avenue, Gale Street or Wren Road. Parsloes is also a ward within the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. In 2011, the ward had a population of 9,839.
Also, wartime history is hidden here. After posting a video of Parsloes Park online, it was revealed that it also features Second World War bomb craters by the children’s playground.
Parsloes Park continues to evolve. It provides green space and recreational opportunities for the community. Whether you are interested in sports, nature or local history, Parsloes Park has a story to share. Take a stroll and discover it for yourself.