Broomfield Park, Palmers Green facts for kids
Broomfield Park is a large public park, covering about 21 hectares (that's like 21 football fields!). You can find it in Palmers Green, which is part of the London Borough of Enfield. It's a really special place for nature, known as a "Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation." This means it's a key spot for wildlife and plants. The park is also recognized by English Heritage for its interesting history and beautiful design.
Park History
Broomfield Park used to be the garden of a big house called Broomfield House. The house was first built way back in the 1500s, though the oldest parts you see today are about 200 years old. Maps from 1754 show that the park looked much like it does now, with its ponds and a long path lined with trees.
Three of the park's four ponds have been there since the 1700s. The fourth pond, which is the one furthest north, was added in the early 1900s. In 1902, the local council, called Southgate Urban District Council, bought the house and its grounds. They then opened the park to everyone in 1903, so people could enjoy its beauty.
Sadly, Broomfield House was badly damaged by fires in the 1980s and 1990s. It has been empty and in need of repair ever since.
In August 2019, something new and exciting was added to the park: a special wetland area. This new area helps create a home for more wildlife and also makes the nearby river water cleaner.
What You Can Do at the Park
Broomfield Park has lots of fun things to do! You can play on the tennis courts or try your hand at bowling on the bowling greens. There's also a lovely conservatory, which is like a greenhouse, and a bandstand where you can sometimes listen to music events.
Kids will love the children's playground, and there's also a quiet garden of remembrance. A writer named Arthur Mee once said it was "one of the most charming and varied" parks in all of London!
The park is also a great place to see nature. It has different areas for wildlife, including the lakes, some small woods, and amazing old oak trees. In the water, you might spot special plants like rigid hornwort, which is quite rare in London. Many birds also live and breed here, such as Canada geese, mallard ducks, tufted ducks, coots, and moorhens.
There's even a community-run cafe in the park, where friendly volunteers serve snacks and drinks.
Getting to the Park
Broomfield Park is surrounded by four streets: Alderman's Hill, Powys Lane, Broomfield Lane, and Broomfield Avenue. You can enter the park from any of these sides, making it easy to visit!
