Springfield Park (London) facts for kids
Springfield Park is a lovely park in Upper Clapton, which is part of the London Borough of Hackney. It's a great place for people to relax and play.
Right next to Springfield Park is Spring Hill Recreation Ground. Both areas are managed by the local council, and together they create a large, open space for everyone to enjoy. The park was created in 1905 from the gardens of three big houses. One of these old houses is still there today and is used as a cafe! Springfield Park is also a special place called a local nature reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife and natural beauty.
Contents
Park Views and Location
The park covers about 14.73 hectares (that's about 36 acres) of land. It slopes down from the higher ground near Stamford Hill all the way to the path next to the River Lee Navigation. This is a canal that runs alongside the River Lea.
On the other side of the river from the park, you'll find Springfield Marina. This is a big area where many narrow boats are kept. The park is also close to the Lea Rowing Club and Spring Hill Recreation Ground, which is used by Hackney Rugby Club for games. From the higher parts of the park, you can see amazing views across Walthamstow Marshes towards Walthamstow and even Epping Forest.
A Look Back in Time: Park History
The beautiful Georgian-style Springfield House stands near the main entrance to the park. It was a private home for a long time before the area around it became filled with other houses in the mid-1800s. The park land stayed as a private estate until 1902 when it was put up for sale.
A group of local business people worked together to save the park when it was being sold. Eventually, the London County Council took over the park. It was officially opened to the public on August 5, 1905, so everyone could enjoy it.
During building work in the 1800s, some interesting things were found in the park, like Roman sarcophagi (stone coffins), pottery, and other ancient burials. Even more recently, in 1987, the remains of a very old Saxon logboat (a boat made from a single tree trunk) were discovered nearby. This boat, known as the Hackney Boat, and a copy of it, are now on display at the Hackney Museum.
Besides Springfield House, there were two other large homes on the estate called 'Springhill House' and 'The Chestnuts'. These houses were in poor condition and had to be taken down when the council took over the park. There was also a road called Spring Lane that used to go through the estate, but it was moved to run along the river and is now part of the tow-path walking route.
Fun Things to Do: Park Facilities
Springfield Park has lots of things for people to do! If you like sports, there are five tennis courts, a bowling green, and large flat areas for rugby, cricket, and other games near the river. The park is home to Hackney Rugby Club.
The Spark Cafe is located inside Springfield House, which many people now call the White House Mansion. Near the house, there's also a big conservatory, which used to be open to the public. The park also has a large pond, beautiful ornamental gardens with fountains, and a fun children's playground. You can also find a bandstand where events sometimes take place.
A special project called the Springfield Park Restoration Project is working to make many parts of the park even better. This work started in the summer of 2019.
Two long walking paths pass through or near the park. The Capital Ring is a 121 km (about 75 miles) circular walking route that goes all around London. It passes through Springfield Park on its way from Stoke Newington to Hackney Wick. You can spot its green signs in the park. Another path, the Lea Valley Walk, is very close by and you can get to it from the River Lee towpath.
In July 2008, Springfield Park received a Green Flag award. This award recognizes well-managed parks and green spaces.
Springfield Park Community Orchard
The park has a small community orchard. This orchard grows different kinds of local apple trees, including some that were saved from gardens in Hackney. You can also find a medlar tree and even an olive tree growing there!
