Improvements to Hurlingham Park

Improvements to Hurlingham Park

Hurlingham Park is a large park with a famous sporting heritage located south of the borough in Fulham.

The area now occupied by the park once belonged to the Hurlingham Club, which was originally a pigeon shooting club. In 1874 the club expanded its sporting interest to include Polo which soon became the club's speciality.

Hurlingham Park has undergone notable changes since then. The stables on the eastern side became a bowling green, paddling pool and children's playground, while the polo ground became a sport's field with running track, cricket and football pitches and tennis courts.

Most recently, this much loved park, has undergone more improvements.

The management of the grounds in the park has significantly improved since 1st May 2008 when Quadron Services Ltd took on the grounds maintenance contract. The Council has invested in the site by putting together a far more robust maintenance regime has resulted in significant improvements to the appearance of the park.

In addition the park has benefited from significant investment to the grassed areas which are now of the highest quality for both casual users and sports clubs. Structural improvements have been carried out to boundary fencing around the area, with dangerous and damaged panels being removed. As well as this Benches and bins have been upgraded.

The newly resurfaced car park also provides a good facility for local residents and sports clubs.

The park has benefited from a £1m borough-wide project to improve play facilities for 8-13 year olds, in particular natural and adventurous play. Work on the new playground at Hurlingham is due to be completed by mid May 2010, with an official opening event currently scheduled for the 14 May (more information to follow). The new playground includes a climbing net, a zip wire, climbing wall and slide and a single point uni-directional swing.

The junior play area will also be refurbished later this summer to provide new, fun and exciting play facilities for toddlers and young children.

Last year saw the return of Polo in the park and the site will once again hold this international polo competition on the 4th-6th June 2010. As with last year's event, the council has negotiated extensive benefits with tour organisers World Polo Ltd to ensure that both the park and local community benefit from this prestigious event.