About Us
In 2016, a group of local parents came together to think about the green space we are lucky enough to have on our doorsteps, how we use it, what works and where we might be able to improve it in order to create a better family friendly, dog-free, safe and welcoming space for all ages and so, the Friends of Furzedown Rec group (FoFR) was formed.
Pre-covid restrictions, the Friends group hosted several community events and carried out extensive consultations asking the local community for opinions and ideas which were collated and given to Enable Leisure and Culture, the group responsible for managing and developing Wandsworth’s green spaces including Furzedown Rec.
With restrictions eased, we look forward to welcoming more of our community joining the Friends of Furzedown Rec group to ensure everyone’s voices are heard and the Rec meets all our needs. Do keep an eye on our green FoFR noticeboard along the Furzedown Drive side of the Rec, our Facebook page, twitter and instagram posts for new notices and updates.
To report any damage or issues on the Rec, email: events@enablelc.org
To report damage or issues with the Pavilion, email: parks@enablelc.org
You are welcome to cc: furzedownrec@gmail.com but issues will be dealt with more effectively if reported directly to the relevant enable departments.
The Pavilion is now available to hire. Please see ‘Booking and rates’ tab for further information.
About the Rec
The Rec has been a popular family destination over the years, with toddlers and younger children enjoying the gated playground area with swings, climbing frame, and the slide whilst older children enjoy a separate climbing frame, bigger swings and bars as well as the enclosed skate park.
The open green spaces have hosted many an end of term picnic for parents and children in particular. The Rec will hold many happy memories for families who’ve lived in Furzedown over the years.
There are also tennis courts and picnic tables and a young orchard as well as mature trees marking the boundaries.
The Friends of Furzedown Rec has seen family tea parties, wildflower meadows, bee trails and AGMs hosted over the past 3 years, all giving the local community a chance to come together, meet, share stories and enjoy each other’s company.
About the Pavillion
The Furzedown Pavilion was for many years, an underused building next to the old Bowling Green on the Rec. It has now been refurbished to create a great community space, available for individuals and groups to hire for events such as yoga sessions, children’s parties or classes, local groups etc. The Refurbishment was funded by the WLF (Wandsworth Local Fund) which supports local initiatives for example schemes to support safer communities, employment opportunities for young people, better pavements and improved playgrounds.
Open Day October 2019 (source Wandsworth website):
Parks and open spaces spokesman Cllr Steffi Sutters said: “When we consulted on this idea last year local people were hugely in favour so I’m delighted we’ve been able to deliver a new community space that can be used for a whole range of recreational events, workshops and activities.“It has brought back into community use a building and green space that has been largely inaccessible to the wider public for much of the last 30 years. Now it is a family friendly community hub that’s open to all.“We hope it will be well-used by children, families, local groups, schools, clubs and the wider community.”
Book the Pavillion
About Furzedown
Furzedown is a residential area in South West London, part of Wandsworth Borough and close to Tooting Common.
Originally the lands of a farm called Furzeden, it became the estate for Furzedown House, built about 1730 Furzedown is a residential area in SW London close to Tooting Bec Common. Originally the lands of a farm called Furzeden, it became the estate for Furzedown House, built about 1730.Hard to believe now, but back then the Streatham area was regarded as being countryside.
In the late 19th century, Furzedown House was owned by the Seely family, whose main residence was in the Isle of Wight. Later, it became a Teacher Training College and is now part of Graveney School. This lodge for Furzedown House, built in 1860, still remains.In the more distant past, the inhabitants of the manor of Tooting Graveney had the right of cutting furze and digging gravel. Hard to believe now, but back then the Streatham area was regarded as being countrysideIn the late 19th century, Furzedown House was owned by the Seely family, whose main residence was in the Isle of Wight. Later, it became a Teacher Training College and is now part of Graveney School. This lodge for Furzedown House built in 1860, still remains.
In the more distant past, the inhabitants of the manor of Tooting Graveney had the right of cutting furze and digging gravel.
Today’s Furzedown Ward is made up from parts of the Streatham Park and Furzedown estates.
The FCN
The Furzedown Community Network is a very active local community network, made up of local people who are keen to help make Furzedown a great place to live, work and play. The FCN works to promote a true community feel within the neighbourhood as a whole through moderating a local online forum, hosting quiz nights and community events.
