King George's Park, SW18
The park was opened in 1923 by King George V and has grown since to its present
size of 23 hectares (55 acres). The River Wandle forms part of the eastern boundary
of the park. There is a riverside walk and cycle route. Alongside the river are
ecological areas.
Facilities:
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Adventure playground
Bowling green
Children's play area
Ecology site
Formal and ornamental gardens
Lake
Leisure centre
One o'clock club
Parking
Paved walk
Sitting out
Sports pitches
Tennis
Trim trail
Brief description (from the London Historic Parks and Gardens Trust):
Formerly on the English Heritage Register, since downgraded. The park was
originally called Southfields Park and was laid out in 1921-23 by Percy Cane and was
opened in 1923 by King George V. In 1938 the park was further developed and a
swimming pool was added; further works were carried out post WWII. The northern
section has ornamental planting with winding paths among lawns and scattered trees
with flowering cherries lining the main north-south path, to the east of which is the
lake, now recently restored., with a footbridge over the southern end. Adjacent to the
lake are a heather garden and rockery which has poplars to the east, and south of the
lake are formal beds, a lime avenue, bowling green and enclosed formal rose garden
with pergola. A small menagerie is to the west of the lake, with tennis courts to southwest. The ornamental gardens and north part of the park are divided by a footpath
running east west from open grass and sports areas which extend to the south. The
River Wandle forms part of the eastern boundary of the park and there is a riverside
walk, alongside which are ecological areas, and there is a small wildlife area within
the park. A number of newer sports facilities here include Wandle Recreation Centre
and Cannon Health Club. The park has ornamental gates at the northern end as well as
more recent entrances further south; Foster's Way crosses the park towards the
southern end, named after Corporal Edward Foster of the 13th Battalion
(Wandsworth) of the East Surrey Regiment, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in
1917.
Sites of importance for nature conservation (WaBII12) (Greater London
Authority/London Borough of Wandsworth November 2002): King George's Park is
classified as a site of borough importance grade 2. The habitat is parkland, pond.
This is a large open space running north-south from Wandsworth town centre to
Earlsfield. Although much of the site is amenity grassland it provides an important
wildlife corridor and hosts several features of value for wildlife. The lake is the most
successful in the borough in terms of sustainable water quality following
improvements made as part of an international project to study ways of improving
water quality and vegetation in shallow urban lakes. It has high ecological value being
rich in acquatic plants and vertebrates with stonewort (Chara globularis) being
dominant, water lilies (Nymphaea alba) on their only site in the borough and good
dragonfly and damselfly populations. There is good marginal planting and a small
wildflower area at the edge of the lake. Within the park there is also an area of nature
conservation interest adjoining the River Wandle which runs along the eastern side.
This area has been planted with native trees and shrubs including field maple, alder,
hazel and dog rose. This provides cover for nesting and foraging for birds, and in
particular hosts house sparrow. The park overall has areas of scattered trees and scrub
as well as formal flower beds which are an important source of nectar. (Upgraded
from Local. Includes the former WaLO1 and part of the former WaLO4)