Colindale Park has largely reopened after a £1.2m investment by Barnet Council that has seen a play area featuring an impressive volcano installed just in time for half-term.
Joanna Savova, aged six, bravely climbs the new volcano at the centre of Colindale Park’s new play area.
The park is set to reopen in full by mid-November with other attractions including an outdoor gym, table tennis, fixed chess tables and new fruit trees in a scenic blossom orchard. There will be wildflower areas, and a picnic area with garden tables – plus more. Additional enhancements also include new cycle and pedestrian paths, bins, benches, trees, plants and swale drainage to help rainwater leave paths to be absorbed by grass.
Councillor Dean Cohen, Chair of the Environment Committee, said: “The amazing regeneration of Colindale Park has created another great place in the borough for everyone to enjoy. We hope that everyone in the area and further afield can take advantage of the new facilities in this popular open space. This latest project comes in addition to our continuous investment in Barnet’s brilliant parks.”
A new Colindale Square will create a flexible space for temporary events, including plans for a farmer’s market and flea market during weekends. Three public art pieces – two totem fans and an additional bench – will top it all off, funded as part of an S106 agreement with Fairview New Homes.
It’s expected that Colindale Park will have fully reopened for everyone to enjoy the new facilities by the middle of November.
The Colindale Park project forms part of a wider strategic investment programme for green spaces and leisure facilities. This has included the £5million regeneration of Silkstream Park and Montrose Playing Fields.
Heybourne Park in the Grahame Park Estate and Rushgrove Park in the south of the Colindale area are next in line for Barnet Council’s comprehensive make-over treatment.