“A wide expanse of green?” a child’s voice chirped. “Is that Bethune Park?” Bethune Park, indeed. A tranquil oasis nestled within the bustling urban landscape of Friern Barnet in the London Borough of Barnet. This isn’t just any green space. It’s a place steeped in history and brimming with activity. The land where Bethune Park now thrives was acquired in 1924 by the Friern Barnet Urban District Council. A few years later, in 1926, it officially opened its gates to the public as Bethune Recreation Ground. Although officially known as Bethune Recreation Ground, you’ll notice it’s affectionately called Bethune Park on the signs within the park itself. Bethune Park offers something for everyone. A vast expanse of mown grass provides ample space for picnics, games, and leisurely strolls. For those seeking a more structured activity, there’s a tennis court available for free booking, a basketball court, and a children’s playground built on what was once a pitch and putt area. Nature lovers can explore the large nature reserve within the park, a haven for trees and wildflowers. Runners also appreciate the park’s marked one-kilometer route, which winds through the soft ground and grassy terrain. You can enter Bethune Park from several points: the corner of Manor Drive and Gresham Avenue, from Beaconsfield Road, or from Bethune Avenue. While there’s no dedicated parking lot, street parking is available in the nearby streets. So, come and discover the vibrant energy of Bethune Park.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service