Oakhill Park
This park has achieved a Green Flag Award for 2007-2008.
Location
Address
- Parkside Gardens, East Barnet, London, EN4 8JS
Getting there
- Location of Oak Hill Park: map (external link)
Bus routes
- 184, 307, 382, all stop nearby
- 125 is approximately a five minute walk from Osidge Lane
Underground
- Station: Cockfosters
- Tube line: Piccadilly
- Distance: 10 minute walk away
Facilities
- Bowls green
- Café
- Pavilion with changing rooms
- Toilets
- Football pitches
- Golf course
- Multi-sports court
- Play area x2
- Site-based Park Keeper
- Tennis courts x3
Booking
For sports lettings or events call the lettings office on 020 8359 7829 or email parks@barnet.gov.uk
Description
A large informal landscaped park, with an open aspect and outstanding views. The park is the venue for the East Barnet Festival.
Oak Hill Woods is a 15 acre semi-natural ancient woodland home to many fine mature trees and several bat species. It is a Local Nature Reserve managed in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust.
History
The valley of Pymmes Brook used to be famed for its oak trees. These oaks were used in the building of St Albans Abbey. For many centuries the land was under the control of the abbey as part of Hertforshire. The descendants of those trees survive in Oak Hill Woods.
In 1536 the church lands were sold and large estates were created, one of which became Oak Hill Theological College. The Baring family owned the area from the 1860s till 1928 when in 1930 it was sold to East Barnet Council. The park was opened to the public in 1933 and has been maintained for local use and enjoyment since this time.
Management
The vision for Oak Hill Park is to combine modern facilities for local people while protecting the traditional appearance of this 1930s park and ensuring the important nature reserve and meadow are kept for future generations. The park has a five year management plan which is reviewed annually.
Continued engagement with local people will be key to the future of the park with detailed consultation on developments and practical involvement in the maintenance of the site.
We will continue engagement with the local community to galvanise public support for the park and ensure it serves the needs of the community now and in the future. For further information on joining the Friends of Oak Hill Park call the Greenspaces team on 020 8359 7820 or email: parks@barnet.gov.uk
