West Harrow Park Improvements

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4-Week Progress Update - February 23rd

It has now been four weeks since works began on the West Harrow Park improvements, and overall, the programme is progressing well.

While some elements of the works have had to move around slightly due to recent weather conditions, steady progress continues to be made. The swale areas, both by the nursery (outer field) and in the bottom south-west corner of the park have had to wait a little longer than planned. Ironically, these areas have been too wet to safely carry out the works. The programme continues to be actively managed to minimise delays caused by the weather, and we are working closely with the contractor to keep the overall project on schedule. To maintain momentum, other elements have been brought forward, and at this stage we remain broadly on track.

Within the playground area, demolition and removals are now largely complete. The items that were due to remain in situ have been retained, but everything else has been cleared away. This has created a clean and open canvas for the new layout and, in time, the installation of the new play equipment.

View of playground and clearance works

Materials within Playground

Vegetation removal and necessary tree clearance works have also been completed. Undertaking this early in the programme helps ensure that groundworks and new installations can proceed without delay later on.


Work is progressing well to infill the old pond area, which will become the location of the new bike track. A significant amount of site-won material is being reused as part of this process, supporting both sustainability and cost efficiency. Reusing materials from within the park reduces waste, limits vehicle movements and helps minimise the overall environmental impact of the project.

Works on the former boating lake

Infill of former boating lake

Construction has also begun on the new wetlands area within the play space. This area will be fenced off from the formal play area but will play an important role in managing surface water. As well as acting as a natural soakaway and improving flood resilience, it will introduce a softer landscape edge and strengthen biodiversity links within the park.

Scraping of new wetland area on perimeter of playground

Elsewhere, fencing is being replaced around the compost area and the operations compound near the nursery. These works will improve safety, durability and the overall appearance of these operational spaces.

Cleared bamboo vegetation in preparation for new secure fence Demolition and clearance of composting area Over the coming weeks, the focus will shift towards constructing new pathways and hard standings throughout the play area. You may have noticed colourful flags marking out the future routes, along with clearance works for the new central entrance to the playground. As pathway construction progresses, residents will begin to see the structure of the new layout emerging.


Clearance and preparation for new playground entrance

Markings of new paths

We appreciate that this stage of the works may feel less visually exciting. However, the preparation and groundworks currently taking place are essential foundations that will support a safer, more resilient, more accessible and more engaging park environment for the whole community.

We recognise that these works may temporarily affect how parts of the park can be used, and we thank residents and visitors for their continued patience while improvements are delivered. We look forward to sharing further updates as the transformation continues to take shape.


What’s happening - at a glace

The proposals aim to improve how West Harrow Park is used and enjoyed, making it more inclusive, better connected and more resilient to future climate change, while keeping its existing character.

View the full concept masterplan drawing to see where all proposed improvements are located. You can find it under the ‘Documents’ section of this page (please note this is a large file and may need to be downloaded to view correctly).

Key improvements include:

  • Playground upgrade
    New inclusive play equipment, natural play features, boulders and grassed play mounds to support a wider range of play for different ages and abilities.

  • Café area improvements
    Facilities near the existing café will be moved slightly to create a clearer focal point, with improved seating, picnic areas and better connections to the playground and main paths.

  • Flexible community space
    A small, hard-surfaced community space for informal events, gatherings and activities. When not in use for events, the space can be used for everyday play and informal seating.

  • Better paths and access
    Existing paths resurfaced or widened, with new links added to improve accessibility and movement through the park. Some paths will use no-dig construction to protect tree roots.

  • More opportunities to be active
    A pump track and scooter route, an improved outdoor gym area (with existing equipment reused where possible), new table tennis tables and a new pétanque court for social, low-impact recreation.

  • Fencing, gates and safety improvements
    Existing fencing and gates repaired, replaced or reconfigured where needed, particularly around play areas, sports facilities and service zones.

  • Car park and service areas
    Improvements to the existing car park and service areas, including resurfacing, clearer markings and upgraded access to support safe and efficient use.

  • Natural drainage and flood management
    New grassed swales and a wetland area to collect and slow rainwater, reduce surface water on paths and support wildlife.

  • Greener landscape and biodiversity
    New trees, meadow planting and wetland plants to increase biodiversity and enhance the park’s appearance.

  • Comfort, safety and wayfinding
    Additional benches, picnic tables, bins and clearer signage across the park.


Next Phase of Improvements at West Harrow Park January 2026

Following the recent completion of the new pathway, we are now preparing to begin the next phase of improvement works across West Harrow Park. These works are part of our ongoing investment in making the park safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for all users.

This update is intended as an advance warning to park users, with wider plans and further details to be shared very soon.

What’s Included in This Phase

The upcoming works will mainly focus on:

  • Upgrading the playground

  • Improving pathways around the park

  • Enhancing soft landscaping to help reduce water pooling and address localised flooding

When Will the Works Start?

The works are expected to start on 26 January, subject to weather conditions and final preparatory works. They are anticipated to continue until spring 26.

Access and Temporary Closures

A site plan showing the areas that will be temporarily closed during the works can be found in the Documents Widget titled 'West Harrow Park - Location Plan - site set up'
Please note that the playground will be closed for the duration of the project.

Contractors will operate from a temporary works compound near the playground, with access from the north side of the park. All work areas will be safely fenced off, with clear signage in place.

We are working closely with the contractor to minimise disruption as far as possible so that people can continue to enjoy the park during the works.

Keep an eye on this page for further updates, detailed plans and announcements as the project progresses.

Phase 1 Update – Completion of Green Grid New Path Nov 25

The new path is now open for residents to enjoy! Just in time for the change in temperature, this addition allows park visitors to extend their walking route or simply explore another side of the park.

More pictures on the Widget on the right of the screen.

We are working on completing the concept drawing for the rest of the works, ensuring we take everything into consideration.



West Harrow Park was selected to become Harrow’s 9th Green Flag site. Its strong community role and high level of local use made it a perfect candidate for this award.

Whilst the park already has a good foundation and is heavily used, the Council has earmarked significant funding to bring it up to Green Flag standard. The Parks Capital Programme focuses on welcoming entrances, accessibility, safety, and playground enhancement – all key priorities for making sure our parks remain safe, welcoming spaces for everyone.

We want our parks to be accessible all year round, providing safe spaces for walking, running and play. Paths and infrastructure are central to this, while playgrounds are crucial for our young residents and parents.

Over the coming months we will be planning major improvements to West Harrow Park. This page will act as the main point of reference for residents, sharing updates as the works progress.

Why Is This Needed?

West Harrow Park is already a popular and well-used green space. However, many of its paths and facilities need upgrading to make sure they are accessible in all seasons and safe for everyone to enjoy.

The Green Flag award sets out high standards for management, accessibility, safety and community involvement. This investment will help West Harrow Park reach and maintain those standards, whilst also addressing long-standing issues such as poor drainage, worn paths and the need for better play facilities.

What Will Happen

Phase 1 – Improving Accessibility Now Complete
The first phase of work will focus on creating a formal path around the cricket ground, to the south, east and north boundaries. This area is already a popular “desire line” for walking and running, but it becomes wet and boggy in colder months making access difficult.

By installing a proper path, we will provide a safe, all-weather route that connects with existing paths, creating circular route for those who enjoy walking around the park. This phase is funded through Harrow’s Green Grid programme.

What is Harrow’s Green Grid?
The Green Grid is a borough-wide programme to improve walking and cycling connections, enhance access to green spaces, and encourage healthier lifestyles. It supports projects like this that make parks more welcoming and usable all year round.

Future Works – Playground and Path Upgrades
In the next stages of the master plan we will:

  • Upgrade entrances, key paths across the rest of the park.

  • Improve the playground to provide modern, safe, and exciting facilities for children.

  • Resolve flood and water-pooling issues that limit use of the park in wet conditions.

  • Explore further opportunities to enhance facilities and make the park even more welcoming.

Local Stakeholders & Friends Group

Council officers have been working closely with the Friends of West Harrow Park, along with other local stakeholders, in planning these improvements. We value their knowledge and insight, as they know the park better than anyone.

If you love your park and would like to get involved, the Friends group always welcomes new volunteers. It’s a great way to support your local green space and meet others in the community.

📘 Facebook: Friends of West Harrow Park | Facebook
✉️ Email: fwhp@ymail.com

Timeline

  • Green Grid funded Path– expected to start early October

  • Future works – playground upgrades, path improvements and drainage works are in development and are expected to take place over Autumn and Winter. Updates will be provided on this page as plans are confirmed.

Impact on Residents

While works are taking place, certain areas of the park may be fenced off for safety and to allow contractors to carry out improvements. We will keep as much of the park open as possible, and walking routes will remain available outside the work areas.

Any short-term disruption will lead to long-term benefits, with new paths, improved drainage and upgraded facilities making the park more enjoyable all year round.

Staying Updated

This page will be kept up to date throughout the project. Please check back regularly for the latest news, dates and details of upcoming works.

4-Week Progress Update - February 23rd

It has now been four weeks since works began on the West Harrow Park improvements, and overall, the programme is progressing well.

While some elements of the works have had to move around slightly due to recent weather conditions, steady progress continues to be made. The swale areas, both by the nursery (outer field) and in the bottom south-west corner of the park have had to wait a little longer than planned. Ironically, these areas have been too wet to safely carry out the works. The programme continues to be actively managed to minimise delays caused by the weather, and we are working closely with the contractor to keep the overall project on schedule. To maintain momentum, other elements have been brought forward, and at this stage we remain broadly on track.

Within the playground area, demolition and removals are now largely complete. The items that were due to remain in situ have been retained, but everything else has been cleared away. This has created a clean and open canvas for the new layout and, in time, the installation of the new play equipment.

View of playground and clearance works

Materials within Playground

Vegetation removal and necessary tree clearance works have also been completed. Undertaking this early in the programme helps ensure that groundworks and new installations can proceed without delay later on.


Work is progressing well to infill the old pond area, which will become the location of the new bike track. A significant amount of site-won material is being reused as part of this process, supporting both sustainability and cost efficiency. Reusing materials from within the park reduces waste, limits vehicle movements and helps minimise the overall environmental impact of the project.

Works on the former boating lake

Infill of former boating lake

Construction has also begun on the new wetlands area within the play space. This area will be fenced off from the formal play area but will play an important role in managing surface water. As well as acting as a natural soakaway and improving flood resilience, it will introduce a softer landscape edge and strengthen biodiversity links within the park.

Scraping of new wetland area on perimeter of playground

Elsewhere, fencing is being replaced around the compost area and the operations compound near the nursery. These works will improve safety, durability and the overall appearance of these operational spaces.

Cleared bamboo vegetation in preparation for new secure fence Demolition and clearance of composting area Over the coming weeks, the focus will shift towards constructing new pathways and hard standings throughout the play area. You may have noticed colourful flags marking out the future routes, along with clearance works for the new central entrance to the playground. As pathway construction progresses, residents will begin to see the structure of the new layout emerging.


Clearance and preparation for new playground entrance

Markings of new paths

We appreciate that this stage of the works may feel less visually exciting. However, the preparation and groundworks currently taking place are essential foundations that will support a safer, more resilient, more accessible and more engaging park environment for the whole community.

We recognise that these works may temporarily affect how parts of the park can be used, and we thank residents and visitors for their continued patience while improvements are delivered. We look forward to sharing further updates as the transformation continues to take shape.


What’s happening - at a glace

The proposals aim to improve how West Harrow Park is used and enjoyed, making it more inclusive, better connected and more resilient to future climate change, while keeping its existing character.

View the full concept masterplan drawing to see where all proposed improvements are located. You can find it under the ‘Documents’ section of this page (please note this is a large file and may need to be downloaded to view correctly).

Key improvements include:

  • Playground upgrade
    New inclusive play equipment, natural play features, boulders and grassed play mounds to support a wider range of play for different ages and abilities.

  • Café area improvements
    Facilities near the existing café will be moved slightly to create a clearer focal point, with improved seating, picnic areas and better connections to the playground and main paths.

  • Flexible community space
    A small, hard-surfaced community space for informal events, gatherings and activities. When not in use for events, the space can be used for everyday play and informal seating.

  • Better paths and access
    Existing paths resurfaced or widened, with new links added to improve accessibility and movement through the park. Some paths will use no-dig construction to protect tree roots.

  • More opportunities to be active
    A pump track and scooter route, an improved outdoor gym area (with existing equipment reused where possible), new table tennis tables and a new pétanque court for social, low-impact recreation.

  • Fencing, gates and safety improvements
    Existing fencing and gates repaired, replaced or reconfigured where needed, particularly around play areas, sports facilities and service zones.

  • Car park and service areas
    Improvements to the existing car park and service areas, including resurfacing, clearer markings and upgraded access to support safe and efficient use.

  • Natural drainage and flood management
    New grassed swales and a wetland area to collect and slow rainwater, reduce surface water on paths and support wildlife.

  • Greener landscape and biodiversity
    New trees, meadow planting and wetland plants to increase biodiversity and enhance the park’s appearance.

  • Comfort, safety and wayfinding
    Additional benches, picnic tables, bins and clearer signage across the park.


Next Phase of Improvements at West Harrow Park January 2026

Following the recent completion of the new pathway, we are now preparing to begin the next phase of improvement works across West Harrow Park. These works are part of our ongoing investment in making the park safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for all users.

This update is intended as an advance warning to park users, with wider plans and further details to be shared very soon.

What’s Included in This Phase

The upcoming works will mainly focus on:

  • Upgrading the playground

  • Improving pathways around the park

  • Enhancing soft landscaping to help reduce water pooling and address localised flooding

When Will the Works Start?

The works are expected to start on 26 January, subject to weather conditions and final preparatory works. They are anticipated to continue until spring 26.

Access and Temporary Closures

A site plan showing the areas that will be temporarily closed during the works can be found in the Documents Widget titled 'West Harrow Park - Location Plan - site set up'
Please note that the playground will be closed for the duration of the project.

Contractors will operate from a temporary works compound near the playground, with access from the north side of the park. All work areas will be safely fenced off, with clear signage in place.

We are working closely with the contractor to minimise disruption as far as possible so that people can continue to enjoy the park during the works.

Keep an eye on this page for further updates, detailed plans and announcements as the project progresses.

Phase 1 Update – Completion of Green Grid New Path Nov 25

The new path is now open for residents to enjoy! Just in time for the change in temperature, this addition allows park visitors to extend their walking route or simply explore another side of the park.

More pictures on the Widget on the right of the screen.

We are working on completing the concept drawing for the rest of the works, ensuring we take everything into consideration.



West Harrow Park was selected to become Harrow’s 9th Green Flag site. Its strong community role and high level of local use made it a perfect candidate for this award.

Whilst the park already has a good foundation and is heavily used, the Council has earmarked significant funding to bring it up to Green Flag standard. The Parks Capital Programme focuses on welcoming entrances, accessibility, safety, and playground enhancement – all key priorities for making sure our parks remain safe, welcoming spaces for everyone.

We want our parks to be accessible all year round, providing safe spaces for walking, running and play. Paths and infrastructure are central to this, while playgrounds are crucial for our young residents and parents.

Over the coming months we will be planning major improvements to West Harrow Park. This page will act as the main point of reference for residents, sharing updates as the works progress.

Why Is This Needed?

West Harrow Park is already a popular and well-used green space. However, many of its paths and facilities need upgrading to make sure they are accessible in all seasons and safe for everyone to enjoy.

The Green Flag award sets out high standards for management, accessibility, safety and community involvement. This investment will help West Harrow Park reach and maintain those standards, whilst also addressing long-standing issues such as poor drainage, worn paths and the need for better play facilities.

What Will Happen

Phase 1 – Improving Accessibility Now Complete
The first phase of work will focus on creating a formal path around the cricket ground, to the south, east and north boundaries. This area is already a popular “desire line” for walking and running, but it becomes wet and boggy in colder months making access difficult.

By installing a proper path, we will provide a safe, all-weather route that connects with existing paths, creating circular route for those who enjoy walking around the park. This phase is funded through Harrow’s Green Grid programme.

What is Harrow’s Green Grid?
The Green Grid is a borough-wide programme to improve walking and cycling connections, enhance access to green spaces, and encourage healthier lifestyles. It supports projects like this that make parks more welcoming and usable all year round.

Future Works – Playground and Path Upgrades
In the next stages of the master plan we will:

  • Upgrade entrances, key paths across the rest of the park.

  • Improve the playground to provide modern, safe, and exciting facilities for children.

  • Resolve flood and water-pooling issues that limit use of the park in wet conditions.

  • Explore further opportunities to enhance facilities and make the park even more welcoming.

Local Stakeholders & Friends Group

Council officers have been working closely with the Friends of West Harrow Park, along with other local stakeholders, in planning these improvements. We value their knowledge and insight, as they know the park better than anyone.

If you love your park and would like to get involved, the Friends group always welcomes new volunteers. It’s a great way to support your local green space and meet others in the community.

📘 Facebook: Friends of West Harrow Park | Facebook
✉️ Email: fwhp@ymail.com

Timeline

  • Green Grid funded Path– expected to start early October

  • Future works – playground upgrades, path improvements and drainage works are in development and are expected to take place over Autumn and Winter. Updates will be provided on this page as plans are confirmed.

Impact on Residents

While works are taking place, certain areas of the park may be fenced off for safety and to allow contractors to carry out improvements. We will keep as much of the park open as possible, and walking routes will remain available outside the work areas.

Any short-term disruption will lead to long-term benefits, with new paths, improved drainage and upgraded facilities making the park more enjoyable all year round.

Staying Updated

This page will be kept up to date throughout the project. Please check back regularly for the latest news, dates and details of upcoming works.

Page last updated: 23 Feb 2026, 12:11 PM