Victoria Park, Finchley
History
Much of the park was originally part of Colby's Farm, where Charles Dickens wrote part of Martin Chuzzlewit. In 1887 Henry Stephens proposed converting the area to a park to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, but it was not opened until 1902, a year after Queen Victoria's death. It was the only public park in the former Borough of Finchley until 1914.
The park is mainly grassland, with playgrounds, fine trees and ornamental gardens, playing fields, six public tennis courts, Finchley Victoria Bowling and Croquet Club with two lawns and a clubhouse, and a café open seven days a week.
There are entrances on Ballards Lane, Long Lane, Etchingham Park Road and Park View Road.
Awards
Victoria Park achieved a Green Flag Award for 2009-2010. The Green Flag Award Scheme is run by The Civic Trust and is intended to be the benchmark against which the quality of public parks and green spaces can be measured. It also recognises the diversity and value of green space to the local community.
Gallery
-
Playground in snow
-
The park in snow
References
- ^ Park noticeboard - see Gallery,
- ^ London Gardens Online, Victoria Park
- ^ Barnet Online, Victoria Park
External links
- Victoria Park described on the London Borough of Barnet website
- London Gardens Online, Victoria Park