Outdoor Haringey

30/11/2020

Shop small, shop local. If you want to share your custom with local businesses this Christmas, then take a look at the Haringey Council Advent Calendar. Could be useful.

For 2020, Haringey Council has collected some amazing seasonal offers from local businesses across the borough. Below, we have 24(internal note

01/08/2019

Glorious afternoon at the opening of the new playground in Finsbury Park replacing the old (but yet still fun) red wooden-framed structure. There’s lots of new equipment including exercise apparatus with QR codes to scan for tips on how to use, as well as plenty of fun play structures, such as a rope bridge, zip wire, circular climbing frame, nest swing, and double-width slide. To celebrate the opening lots of additional activities were put on including a (temporary) climbing wall, pony rides, zorbing and the obligatory face-painting. The new playground will inevitably have its critics (it’s a shame that they haven’t used more wooden structures to blend in with the landscape and that it’s not enclosed making it easier for little people to wander off) but nonetheless it’s going to be a great place for Haringey young folk to play, exercise and socialise.

The new playground is timed to be part of the 150th anniversary of the opening of Finsbury Park. There’s an evocative outdoor exhibition of photographs representing the park over the last 150 years. It made me think that numerous generations have been and gone since the park opened and that it has remained a green haven amongst this increasingly populated and busy city. At our peril do we underestimate the importance of our green spaces and the function they serve within our communities; I’m thankful to all those who advocate for and protect our parks. Here’s to the next 150 years and the future generations who will use Finsbury Park as a place of recreation. Who knows what playgrounds might look like then?

Finsbury parkrun Haringey Council BMF Finsbury Park Finsbury Park

09/07/2019

On a recent run through Alexandra Park I happened upon a small gathering of gentlemen playing pétanque on the gravel that is the Fairground Car Park. It was a charming sight and reminiscent of all the towns and villages in France that have an area for pétanque in the main square and where in the late afternoons and early evenings, locals sipping a beer or aperitif, socialise together over the simple but highly competitive and entertaining game.

I chatted to the group who it transpires play weekly throughout the year. We agreed that it would be a fantastic addition to the facilities at Alexandra Park to include one or two pétanque areas on the edge of the car park. By their nature pétanque courts are low cost to build and maintain. A couple of benches along the edge would make a delightful spot from which to spectate. We also discussed the possibility of getting sponsorship from one of the companies carrying out major building developments in the local area. They might fulfil some of their corporate social responsibilities by putting into the communities from which they are set to gain so much.

What do you think? Worth a try?

Friends of Alexandra Park Ally Pally parkrun Alexandra Palace

27/06/2019

The garden is in bloom and it’s so exciting to see what’s emerged and flowered. As a novice gardener I’m always filled with trepidation when I plant something new, never quite believing it will actually grown. Every new flower is a joy. Here’s a selection of what’s currently decorating our small North London patch.

@ London, United Kingdom

26/06/2019

The humble tomato elevated to an entire stall all of is own. Quite right too. Just look at these beauties.

New stall this week. Tomatoes! Did you guess? Red Tiger, green tiger, plum, piccolo, Kumato, golden vine, golden beef...and they grown about 30 other varieties that come fresh to London every week. No they are not from Holland... www.stroudgreenmarket.com/thisweek

28/03/2019

It is national disgrace that children’s access to space to play and explore is being eroded through a combination of privatisation and social apartheid. So thankful for organisations like Playing Out who promote street play and advocate for improved access to space to play for all children.

Letters: Readers respond to news that a London developer has segregated play areas for richer and poorer residents