Wandsworth Park

Wandsworth Park is a Grade II listed historic park, marking the fact that its design has changed little since it opened in 1903. The site was, until 1897, an area of allotments. The park was laid out by Lt. Col. J.J. Sexby, horticulturist and London County Council’s original Superintendent of Parks.

Moving away from very formal Victorian ideas, the park design identified the growing interest in organised sport, focusing on a large area of playing fields with a much smaller area of ornamental planting in the south eastern corner.

The 1920s saw the addition of the pavilion and tennis courts, in addition also the new mini golf. In 1955 a flat-roofed brick shelter was built and, in the late 1990s, a new sports pavilion. The Brick Shelter and Bowling green were removed a few years ago.

As a wildlife site, Wandsworth Park provides habitat for common birds. Its location beside the Thames also attracts passing migrant species.

Part of the Putney Sculpture Trail can be found in the park, featuring two pieces by Alan Thornhill, called Nexus and Pygmalion.