Signup to help make Southwark Park’s 150th a week to remember
6 February 2019
Southwark Park is turning 150 this summer and the council is looking to support local park users to stage a grand, week long celebration of everything the park was, is and promises to be.
Southwark Council is inviting local people, organisations, schools and businesses, to come forward with their ideas for a week of celebrations, from 15 to 23 June.
The council is looking for live events and activities that celebrate the park’s 150th birthday. They will be staged in the park during the anniversary week and free of charge and accessible to the public.
The council is offering £5,000 in funding, so people who need a little extra support can apply for up to £1,000.
Southwark Park first opened its gates to the public in 1869. It hosts London's first public memorial to honour a working class man, a drinking fountain commemorates Mr Jabez West. The Ada Salter Rose Garden was built in 1936 by Alfred Salter, MP for West Bermondsey. It was attributed to his wife Ada when she passed away years later and represents their shared wish to create a place of beauty, where mothers and the elderly could rest.
More recently, Southwark Park won a Green Flag Award which recognises its excellent management, the contribution of volunteers and the outstanding offering of leafy open space for local people.
The park offers amazing facilities including a romantic Victorian bandstand, two art galleries, a running track, large open spaces and quiet secluded spots. There is also a brand new café on track to open this summer, a wildlife garden, bowling green and plenty of space for sports.
Cllr Rebecca Lury, Cabinet Member for culture, leisure, equalities and communities, said: “Southwark Park is many things to many people and we hope to see this represented through a community led celebration of its 150th birthday this summer. I invite all of the people who are part of Southwark Park’s story, to get in touch and let us know how they’d like to celebrate its anniversary.”
For more information about how you can get involved with the park’s birthday celebrations, please visit: southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpark150 or contact the council’s events team at: events@southwark.gov.uk
Page last updated: 06 February 2019
