Park-users, residents and those who work in the borough can have their say on future improvements for Park Hill park to help celebrate the site’s rich history.
The park’s entrances will be redesigned and new signs marking key features will be installed. These include historic elements like the legacy of the Horniman estate and water tower.
To help the council develop the designs, park enthusiasts are invited to the 15-acre green space for a series of engagement events in March.
A drop-in design kiosk will be in the park with family-friendly drawing and mapping activities, historical maps and drawings. The first will take place between 3-6pm on Friday 20 March followed by one between 12-3pm on Saturday 21 March.
There will also be a walking lunchbreak in the park from 1-2 pm on Wednesday 11 March to highlight areas of interest in the park. Details of future engagements are available online.
The new entrances and signs will be installed over the next year.
The park is just 500 metres from East Croydon Station and has been used as green land for hundreds of years, forming part of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s deer park for eight centuries.
Coombe Cliff House, built near the park in 1853, is the only surviving example of the early housing that came to the area. The Horniman family of tea merchants, well-known public benefactors and politicians in the 19th Century, were the original owners.
Park Hill began to take its modern shape when the Croydon Corporation bought the site in 1887 for £4,000, installing paths and a water fountain. By the turn of the century a bandstand had been installed.
The proposals are part of plans to transform the park by improving play areas and pathways and installing signage at significant locations throughout the park.
“Park Hill is a well-loved green space at the heart of Croydon and I’m delighted we can help uncover the site’s rich history and make the park an even better facility for everyone to enjoy. Please have your say as part of this consultation to shape the future of Park Hill.”
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
For more information, to book on to one of the events or to have your say online, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/discoverparkhill
