Remember Downhills House? It stood here long before this park existed. Downhills Park offers a blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty. Today, we will explore the story of this green space in Haringey.
Downhills Park covers 12 hectares. That is about 30 acres. The park sits in West Green on the edge of Wood Green and Tottenham. This park wasn’t always a park. Before 1728, Downhills was a house.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine this area as part of the Mount Pleasant estate. In 1789, Downhills House was rebuilt here. Rowland Stephenson, a banker, lived here. The house had ornamental gardens and a grove of trees near the Moselle river. Part of the estate was leased to Broadwater Farm.
Later, William Hodson, a developer, bought the house. In 1892, he leased the property to Mrs Cummings for her school.
Fast forward to 1901. Tottenham Urban District Council bought the land. The house was demolished in 1902. The council created a public park on the grounds. This happened because local residents campaigned for it. The land was initially meant for housing.
Downhills Park opened in 1903. In 1904, it was extended after a smallpox epidemic. Four acres were purchased from the Great Eastern Railway Company.
Early photos show a rockery. There was also an Italian Garden, a lake, and a bandstand. A model railway and a hornbeam avenue were also present. The park hosted concerts and flower shows. In 1934, a Giant Draughts Board was opened. It was the first in London.
After 1939, many amenities were destroyed by World War bombings. In the 1980s, Haringey Council built new children’s play facilities.
Today, Downhills Park has many facilities. There is a basketball court and a café. Football pitches and a multi-use games area are available. You can also find a netball court and an outdoor gym. A picnic area and a playground are here too. Table tennis, tennis courts, and toilets are available.
The park is divided into two sections. To the west is the recreation ground. It is used for sports and casual play. To the east are the formal gardens. The Italian Gardens still have formal bedding.
Downhills Park won the Green Flag Award in 2006. It has kept it ever since. The Friends of Downhills Park are a volunteer group. They help promote the park’s benefits.
Take a moment to appreciate the history around you. Think of the house that once stood here. Consider the community effort that created this park. The park continues to be a space for recreation and relaxation for everyone.