West Harrow Park Improvements

Share West Harrow Park Improvements on Facebook Share West Harrow Park Improvements on Twitter Share West Harrow Park Improvements on Linkedin Email West Harrow Park Improvements link

Progress Update – 16 April 2026

There continues to be good progress across the park, with more of the new spaces now starting to take shape and become visible on site.

Playground Progress

The playground is continuing to come together well. New fencing has now been installed at the back of the playground to separate the formal play area from the new wetlands space. A replacement fence has also been added between the toddler and junior play areas, helping to create a safer and more comfortable space for younger children to play.


The toddler area is making particularly exciting progress, with a new large ship-themed multi-play unit now in place, alongside welcoming seating for parents and carers. This will help create a more enjoyable and comfortable space for families to spend time in the playground.

Across the wider play area, works are continuing steadily from the back of the site forwards, following extensive levelling and landscaping. The shape of the mini pump track is now beginning to wind its way through the trees, and many of the new pieces of play equipment and site furniture are already in place ready for installation. As more elements are fitted over the coming weeks, the overall layout will become much easier to see.

Swales, Wetlands and Water Management

As part of the wider improvements, we have also introduced several natural drainage features across the park to help tackle flooding and waterlogging.

These shallow landscaped channels, known as swales, are designed to capture rainwater and slow it down and attenuate rather than allowing it to run quickly across hard surfaces including the large areas of grass in summer. Instead of water collecting in puddles or overwhelming drains, it is gently guided into these shallow dips where it can soak into the ground over time and evaporate. This helps reduce flooding, prevents muddy areas forming, and allows the ground to naturally absorb and release water.

Compared with more traditional drainage systems, swales can be more cost-effective, require less intensive maintenance, and bring wider environmental benefits by reducing our carbon footprint from sourcing manufactured materials such as pipes and aggregates and supporting biodiversity and helping the park respond better to wetter weather.

We have introduced similar swale features in other recent park improvement projects, including Chandos and Kenton Recreation Grounds and Canons Park. Having seen how well they performed over the winter months, they have proven to be a successful way of addressing local drainage issues. While no solution is ever perfect, this is a tried and tested approach, and we will continue to monitor how these features perform across different seasons.

New swales have been introduced opposite the pavilion, where drainage problems have been identified for some time. We are in active discussions with the nursery currently using the pavilion, and the approach has been positively received as part of a longer-term solution to the muddy and flooded conditions that can affect the paved area outside during the winter months.

Although these features currently appear more visible while newly formed, they will soften over time as grass establishes and the landscape beds in. Rather than looking like formal drainage channels, they will become gentle grassy slopes that sit more naturally within the park and can be enjoyed as part of the landscape.

We will also be adding simple boardwalk crossings in key locations to help maintain access across these areas. These will be positioned carefully to reflect how the nursery uses the field during the summer months, so that access can continue as easily as possible.

Additional swales have also been formed along the path leading to the tennis courts, and the new wetland area next to the playground will also play an important role in soaking up water while creating valuable wildlife habitat.

Entrances and a More Welcoming Park

Two new entrance boards have now been installed at the park entrances. These include integral notice boards, helping provide clearer information for visitors as well as space to promote local events and activities.

The new boards also include a map of the park, local history and key information about the site, helping to create a stronger sense of welcome and pride in the park for residents and visitors alike.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming weeks, work will continue with play equipment installation, landscaping and surfacing, with more of the park’s final layout becoming visible as each element is completed.

We will soon be relocating the outdoor gym equipment to its new position within the central area of the park. To allow these works to take place, the current outdoor gym area will be closed from Monday 27 April for approximately three weeks. We know how well used this facility is and apologise for the temporary disruption.

Once complete, the gym will form part of a new central hub, alongside a table tennis table and pétanque court. This will help create a more active and social space within the park, while also freeing up the surrounding field for events and other community activities.

We appreciate that some disruption is still unavoidable while these improvements are delivered, but it is encouraging to see the project continuing to take shape. There is still lots to look forward to as the transformation progresses.


8-Week Progress Update - March 26th

We are now around eight weeks into the West Harrow Park improvements, and there is now clear and exciting progress visible across the site. The programme continues to be actively managed and remains broadly on track.

The new central area is beginning to come together well. This space will become a key hub within the park, with relocated outdoor gym equipment, a new pétanque court and a table tennis table. The aim is to make much better use of this central space, and the layout is now becoming easier to visualise as works progress.

The shape of the new pump track and learn to ride area is also clearly emerging, which is a really exciting milestone. The former boating lake area has been partially infilled and built up using site-won materials, helping to reduce waste and the overall environmental footprint of the project. This new feature will run along the back of the playground and will be separated from the wetlands area by a new fence line.

Within the playground itself, progress is moving at pace. The new main pathways are now in place, with smaller, more informal routes branching off to create a more exploratory and engaging layout. Much of the play equipment, along with seating and other furniture, has now arrived on site. Installation is underway, with the team working steadily from the back of the site towards the front.

Work has also recently started on new shallow swales alongside the path opposite the tennis courts. While these features will be quite subtle in appearance, they play an important role in helping to manage rainwater by capturing and slowing surface runoff. Similar features are being introduced across the park in key locations, including within the playground wetlands area and near the nursery, where drainage has previously been a known issue.

We have been working closely with the nursery to agree the approach in this area. The design includes shallow swales running alongside the new footpath, helping to capture water from the field while still maintaining access. Simple crossing points will be provided so that nursery children and other park users can continue to move easily between spaces. These areas are being designed to balance safety, accessibility and a natural park setting.

Over the coming weeks, residents will begin to see more of the play equipment installed and the overall layout of the park becoming fully defined.

We appreciate that some areas of the park remain temporarily restricted while works continue, and thank you for your continued patience.

With key features now taking shape and installation underway, the transformation of the park will become increasingly visible in the weeks ahead.

Additional Updates

You may have noticed the history board installed in the park, which shares some interesting local facts. New formal entrance boards will soon be installed at both entrances, including dedicated space for notices and updates, we have standardised these boards across out Green Flag Parks.

We are also introducing new larger bins across the park to help manage litter during busier periods, particularly as we head into the summer months. Two bins are being installed initially, with a third to follow once the new playground entrance is complete — no more excuses for not disposing of picnic waste responsibly.

The Multi Use Games Area has also benefited from additional investment through the Leisure Team. New backboards have been installed, and a deep clean and refreshed line markings are planned now that weather conditions are improving.

Lots to look forward to!


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 areaOver 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.

Progress Update – 16 April 2026

There continues to be good progress across the park, with more of the new spaces now starting to take shape and become visible on site.

Playground Progress

The playground is continuing to come together well. New fencing has now been installed at the back of the playground to separate the formal play area from the new wetlands space. A replacement fence has also been added between the toddler and junior play areas, helping to create a safer and more comfortable space for younger children to play.


The toddler area is making particularly exciting progress, with a new large ship-themed multi-play unit now in place, alongside welcoming seating for parents and carers. This will help create a more enjoyable and comfortable space for families to spend time in the playground.

Across the wider play area, works are continuing steadily from the back of the site forwards, following extensive levelling and landscaping. The shape of the mini pump track is now beginning to wind its way through the trees, and many of the new pieces of play equipment and site furniture are already in place ready for installation. As more elements are fitted over the coming weeks, the overall layout will become much easier to see.

Swales, Wetlands and Water Management

As part of the wider improvements, we have also introduced several natural drainage features across the park to help tackle flooding and waterlogging.

These shallow landscaped channels, known as swales, are designed to capture rainwater and slow it down and attenuate rather than allowing it to run quickly across hard surfaces including the large areas of grass in summer. Instead of water collecting in puddles or overwhelming drains, it is gently guided into these shallow dips where it can soak into the ground over time and evaporate. This helps reduce flooding, prevents muddy areas forming, and allows the ground to naturally absorb and release water.

Compared with more traditional drainage systems, swales can be more cost-effective, require less intensive maintenance, and bring wider environmental benefits by reducing our carbon footprint from sourcing manufactured materials such as pipes and aggregates and supporting biodiversity and helping the park respond better to wetter weather.

We have introduced similar swale features in other recent park improvement projects, including Chandos and Kenton Recreation Grounds and Canons Park. Having seen how well they performed over the winter months, they have proven to be a successful way of addressing local drainage issues. While no solution is ever perfect, this is a tried and tested approach, and we will continue to monitor how these features perform across different seasons.

New swales have been introduced opposite the pavilion, where drainage problems have been identified for some time. We are in active discussions with the nursery currently using the pavilion, and the approach has been positively received as part of a longer-term solution to the muddy and flooded conditions that can affect the paved area outside during the winter months.

Although these features currently appear more visible while newly formed, they will soften over time as grass establishes and the landscape beds in. Rather than looking like formal drainage channels, they will become gentle grassy slopes that sit more naturally within the park and can be enjoyed as part of the landscape.

We will also be adding simple boardwalk crossings in key locations to help maintain access across these areas. These will be positioned carefully to reflect how the nursery uses the field during the summer months, so that access can continue as easily as possible.

Additional swales have also been formed along the path leading to the tennis courts, and the new wetland area next to the playground will also play an important role in soaking up water while creating valuable wildlife habitat.

Entrances and a More Welcoming Park

Two new entrance boards have now been installed at the park entrances. These include integral notice boards, helping provide clearer information for visitors as well as space to promote local events and activities.

The new boards also include a map of the park, local history and key information about the site, helping to create a stronger sense of welcome and pride in the park for residents and visitors alike.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming weeks, work will continue with play equipment installation, landscaping and surfacing, with more of the park’s final layout becoming visible as each element is completed.

We will soon be relocating the outdoor gym equipment to its new position within the central area of the park. To allow these works to take place, the current outdoor gym area will be closed from Monday 27 April for approximately three weeks. We know how well used this facility is and apologise for the temporary disruption.

Once complete, the gym will form part of a new central hub, alongside a table tennis table and pétanque court. This will help create a more active and social space within the park, while also freeing up the surrounding field for events and other community activities.

We appreciate that some disruption is still unavoidable while these improvements are delivered, but it is encouraging to see the project continuing to take shape. There is still lots to look forward to as the transformation progresses.


8-Week Progress Update - March 26th

We are now around eight weeks into the West Harrow Park improvements, and there is now clear and exciting progress visible across the site. The programme continues to be actively managed and remains broadly on track.

The new central area is beginning to come together well. This space will become a key hub within the park, with relocated outdoor gym equipment, a new pétanque court and a table tennis table. The aim is to make much better use of this central space, and the layout is now becoming easier to visualise as works progress.

The shape of the new pump track and learn to ride area is also clearly emerging, which is a really exciting milestone. The former boating lake area has been partially infilled and built up using site-won materials, helping to reduce waste and the overall environmental footprint of the project. This new feature will run along the back of the playground and will be separated from the wetlands area by a new fence line.

Within the playground itself, progress is moving at pace. The new main pathways are now in place, with smaller, more informal routes branching off to create a more exploratory and engaging layout. Much of the play equipment, along with seating and other furniture, has now arrived on site. Installation is underway, with the team working steadily from the back of the site towards the front.

Work has also recently started on new shallow swales alongside the path opposite the tennis courts. While these features will be quite subtle in appearance, they play an important role in helping to manage rainwater by capturing and slowing surface runoff. Similar features are being introduced across the park in key locations, including within the playground wetlands area and near the nursery, where drainage has previously been a known issue.

We have been working closely with the nursery to agree the approach in this area. The design includes shallow swales running alongside the new footpath, helping to capture water from the field while still maintaining access. Simple crossing points will be provided so that nursery children and other park users can continue to move easily between spaces. These areas are being designed to balance safety, accessibility and a natural park setting.

Over the coming weeks, residents will begin to see more of the play equipment installed and the overall layout of the park becoming fully defined.

We appreciate that some areas of the park remain temporarily restricted while works continue, and thank you for your continued patience.

With key features now taking shape and installation underway, the transformation of the park will become increasingly visible in the weeks ahead.

Additional Updates

You may have noticed the history board installed in the park, which shares some interesting local facts. New formal entrance boards will soon be installed at both entrances, including dedicated space for notices and updates, we have standardised these boards across out Green Flag Parks.

We are also introducing new larger bins across the park to help manage litter during busier periods, particularly as we head into the summer months. Two bins are being installed initially, with a third to follow once the new playground entrance is complete — no more excuses for not disposing of picnic waste responsibly.

The Multi Use Games Area has also benefited from additional investment through the Leisure Team. New backboards have been installed, and a deep clean and refreshed line markings are planned now that weather conditions are improving.

Lots to look forward to!


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 areaOver 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: 16 Apr 2026, 03:59 PM