Day of celebration to mark the re-opening of Chandos Recreation Ground following upgrade works
- £2m flood resilience and green space improvement project complete
- River restoration and new wetland features created to reduce flood risk
After winning its first-ever Green Flag award this summer, Chandos Recreation Ground is celebrating another big milestone – the completion of its £2 million improvement project.
Local residents and park users are invited to join the official re-opening event on Saturday 27 September, between 10am and 2pm, to mark the occasion with a day of fun, nature, and community. It will be a fun filled day with stalls, games and crafts, a children’s entertainer, nature walks, story time, community stalls, a free Tai Chi session, tea and cake, plus lots more!
The park has been transformed through the Action for Silk Stream Project which was started in 2021 as a six year partnership between the London Borough of Harrow and Barnet Council. The project is part of £200m for Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, funded by DEFRA.
The work focussed on making the park more flood-resilient and nature friendly. Key changes include:
- New natural drainage areas to help reduce the risk of flooding
- Reopening and realigning the Edgware Brook - hidden for years
- Adding gravel beaches and wetland features to boost wildlife and reconnect residents with the river
The park now also boasts a new play area and outdoor gym, picnic spots and wildflower meadows. Alongside the improved paths and tree planting, Chandos Recreation Ground is now a more sustainable, engaging, and nature-rich destination.
Cllr Janet Mote Cabinet Member for Community & Culture said:
“It’s been a great year for Chandos Recreation Ground. Winning the Green Flag award and completing this major project shows what’s possible when we work together.
“I am so proud of the hard work and dedication our stakeholders, funders, consultants and contractors. The transformation is incredible, and I know it will mean a lot to everyone who uses the park”.
The project also received support from the GLA Green & Resilient Spaces programme and Harrow Borough Community Infrastructure Levy, making Chandos Recreation Ground a greener, safer, and more welcoming space for everyone.
Lee James, Environment Agency said:
“The Action for Silk Stream project is a great example of Local Authorities working together to reduce flood risk in their communities. This project is one of 25 from across England to benefit from Defra’s £150m Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation programme. It is an achievement for this project to deliver a range of environmental enhancements and an improved public amenity for the local community.”