Springfield Park (London)

Springfield Park is a park in Upper Clapton in the London Borough of Hackney in north London. The park was formed in 1905 from the grounds of three private houses, one of which still survives as a cafe. [ [http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Attraction/Springfield_Park/e9a0/ Sp [ringfield Park] , LondonTown.com, accessed 1 September 2008]

Topography and environs

The park occupies convert|38|acre|ha|1|lk=on and slopes from the high ground on the edge of Stamford Hill to the towpath of the River Lee. Situated on the other side of the Lee to the park is Springfield Marina, a large basin for narrow boats. The park is also adjacent to the River Lea Rowing Club and Springhill Sports Ground, which is used by Hackney Rugby Club.

The higher ground of the park affords views over Walthamstow Marshes to Walthamstow and north east London.

History

The original Georgian Springfield House stands near the main entance to the park on a road known simply as Springfield. This was once a private residence dating from well before the area was given over to housing in the mid-Victorian period. The area of the park survived as a private estate until 1902 when the house and land went up for sale. [Crowe, Andrew — "The Parks and Woodlands of London" (Fourth Estate, 1987)]

A group of local businessmen saved the park when it went up for auction and eventually the London County Council took over responsibility for the park and it opened to the public on 5 August 1905. [Crowe, Andrew — "The Parks and Woodlands of London" (Fourth Estate, 1987)]

In addition to Springfield House, there were originally two other large houses on the estate called Springhill House and The Chestnuts, but these had to be demolished due to their deteriorating condition when the council took them over. A road called Spring Lane ran through the estate but this was re-routed along the Lee and now forms part of the towpath walk.

Facilities

Sports facilties include five tennis courts, a bowling green and grounds for cricket and other sports on the wide flat area by the river. The Spark Cafe is housed in Springfield House, now known locally as the White House Mansion. Near the house is a large conservatory which was open to the public but have since been closed. There is a large pond and ornamental gardens with fountains and a children's playground as well as a bandstand.

The Capital Ring, a 78 mile circular walking route around London, passes through the park on the section from Stoke Newington to Hackney Wick, and the distinctive green signs can be seen in the park. Another walking route the Lea Valley Walk is close by and can be accessed via the River Lee towpath.

The park received a Green Flag award in July 2008. ["Hackney Today" 188 21 July 2008]

pringfield Park Community Orchard

This small project contains varieties of local apple trees, including examples rescued from Hackney gardens. There is also a medlar tree and an olive tree.

References

External links

* [http://www.hackney.gov.uk/cp-parks-springfield.htm Springfield Park on Hackney Council website]
* [http://www.sparkcafe.co.uk/ Spark Cafe]