London has just opened a new park, Bleckenham Place, the largest in southwest London, complete with lakes, wildflower meadows, swimming, gardens and picnic areas.
The park isn't actually new to public recreation use; its 237 acres spent over 100 years as one of London's busiest public golf courses. Over the years, however, golf has become less popular, unlike in the U.S. and the course closed in 2016 with many fearing it would be sold off for development. But the local Lewisham borough council chose parkland instead.
Developed with the aid of lottery grants in addition to public funds, the park is already attracting big numbers to its features, which include music and craft classes at the 200-year-old mansion that was home to wealthy owners before the golf course.
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