The Park

 

Workshop participants

by Beverley Small

My mid-terraced house overlooks South Oxhey Park. The back bedroom has a view of the new children’s playground. It looks South American with a hammock and tree house. The swings and tunnels have a modern, fresh design.           

All year people walk their dogs. There are cyclists, walkers, families enjoying it. Football teams play their games in the Season. Golfers play on the Golf Course in fine weather.        

In Autumn the leaves on the trees turn brown, yellow, green. Eerily quiet after the excitement of the summer holidays. School starts up again and there is just the odd toddler playing happily there.      

At night it is lit by lamps and the lights of the Pavilion Pub. unfortunately there is some graffiti on the new playground now. There are sounds of anti-social behaviour at night.      

Daylight brings back the early morning jogger. As the weather gets colder the trees become bare and fewer children visit the Park . Except for a snowy day when the sledges appear.       

Christmas time brings renewed interest with children trying out their new roller skates, skate boards, bicycles and scooters. Midwinter brings a lull. The summer holidays brighten it up with relaxed crowds and families having picnics. The Summer Fair draws large crowds. The kite flyers come out on a windy day.

    September brings a new school year. The Park quietens down again. The free and easy days gone.