May 2022: Springing into action
The weather this spring is as unpredictable as ever, but around 4pm on any weekday you will find the park buzzing with children, running, playing, or whizzing about on scooters and bikes. It lifts the spirits to see them all, just let out of school and enjoying the space, fresh air (and hoping for ice creams too, I suspect).
The park events programme is now in full swing. We have already had the annual spring bug hunt (popular with young families) and the tree walk (catering for a more mature audience). You can see some photos from both events in the Gallery section at the bottom of this page, and we have a lovely article about the tree walk ,from Claudia Mernick, on the News page.
Now we are busy preparing for the ever-popular Kites & Bikes festival on Sunday the 22nd of May - see the Events section below for more details.
As a bonus, also on the News page, we have a typically quirky article from our Harrow Recreation Ground Park Champion, Bill Stephenson, about our “People’s Paths”. Thoughtful as ever, Bill!
Graham Jack
Who We Are
The Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association (HRUA) is a voluntary group of park users who organise around 10 free events in ‘Harrow Rec’ each year, open to all.
We act when needed as a support and lobbying group on behalf of park users, and we aim to work in partnership with other park groups and clubs, and Harrow Council to make sure that the facilities in the park can be enjoyed by all.
Around the Park
Take off your earphones, turn up your senses, and enjoy our beautiful trees, lawns, gardens and wildlife.
You’ll find all the usual park facilities at ‘The Rec’: football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, children’s playground.
In the Ahimsa Peace Garden you can enjoy the tranquillity of the fenced Quiet Area or meet friends or hold a party in the Picnic Area.
You can get fit at two outdoor gyms, use the covered area for your outdoor events (free booking required), and get refreshments at the popular SEVA Cafe.
Clubs & Activities
There has been a bowling ground at the Rec since its earliest days, and Harrow Bowling Club was formed around 1902.
The Rec is also home to Harrow St Mary’s Youth Football Club and the 3-Bridges Cricket Club.
Activities open to all include:
- Harrow parkrun (Saturdays 9am by Harrow St Mary’s Pavilion);
- Tai Chi for Health (Fridays 9:30 to 10:30 near the café or on the Basketball Court);
- Group Exercise (Tuesdays 10:00 to 11:00 near the Tennis Courts or on the Basketball Court);
- and Harrow Health Walk (Tuesdays 10.30 meet at Hindes Road Entrance).
Get Involved
HRUA runs about ten events each year - free for all to join and always very popular - and the help of our supporters is essential to organise and run these.
The Harrow Rec Community gardeners meet twice per month to help keep the park tidy and beautiful, and safe for all users - working in conjunction with the Harrow Council Green Team.
Our regular book sales are a great way to ‘recycle’ books, and raise valuable funds for our programmes and activities.
We also work with Harrow Council in planning and completing improvements to the park infrastructure and facilities
Upcoming Events & Team Activities- Spring/Summer 2022
As well as our teams working in the park each month we have organised some exciting spring events for you and your families to enjoy...
Watch out for updates on our “friends” Facebook group, as events may be postponed or cancelled.
Sunday, 22nd May
From 2.30pm
Kites & Bikes
Let's go fly a kite...
Our experts will be there to help you make a new kite, or untangle your own one. And Dr. Bike will be on hand to check out your wheels and give you advice.
Of course, there will be cakes and refreshments too. One of the park's most popular family events returns!
Sunday, 8th May
From 10.00
Bowls Club Open Day
Try out whether lawn bowls is for you. Give it your best shot! We'll be there to help.
Sunday, 8th May 11 to 1pm
Canopy Plant Sale
Time to snap up some bargains for your containers and baskets, and your spring planting.
Come and see what's on offer under the Green Canopy by the Seva Cafe.
Sunday, 29th May 1pm to 3pm
Canopy Book Shop
Our popular used book sale returns, with more dates this spring. Come and visit us and browse the “shelves”. All receipts help to fund future Harrow rec events.
Good condition book donations are welcomed too!
Monthly, Throughout the Year
- first Monday, 2pm
- fourth Friday, 2pm
Garden Team
Calling all gardeners! Never mind the weather or the season, we meet for digging, planting, tidying, taming, sweeping and litter-picking.
Whether you are green-fingered or all thumbs you will be welcomed, there are jobs to suit everyone, and fun and companionship besides.
Find us either at the "Green Pavilion" (near to the Cafe and Bowling Green), in the Ahimsa Peace Garden (near the basket ball courts), or out and about in the park with spade, secateurs and broom!
