Deptford Park

About

Deptford Park is a public park in Deptford south-east London. It is owned by London Borough of Lewisham. The closest local stations are Deptford and Surrey Quays.

History of the park: Deptford Park was originally a market garden belonging to the estate of the Evelyn family. Located near the River Thames, it was renowned for its onions, celery and asparagus. In 1884, London County Council bought the land for the creation of a public park. It was designed by the chief parks officer Lt Col J. J. Sexby and opened to the public in 1897.

Park design and features: The park covers an area of 7.07 hectares (17 acres) and is accessed from Evelyn Street, with the entrance retaining traditional iron gates and railings and a small avenue of London planes. The original structure of the park is largely intact, with a perimeter pathway lined with further mature London planes. Facilities include a football pitch and play area. Recent regeneration of the park has included installation of a new children’s playground and ‘The Avenue’, a redesigned entrance way leading to a formal paved area with seating. There is also now a small community orchard. In 2008, a steel sculpture, Blue Iridescence...