Haringey’s first community parklet in Noel Park is complete!
GrowN22 CIC, in partnership with Haringey Council, were awarded £25,000 to spend on the project by the Mayor of London’s Grow Back Greener Fund.
The Gladstone Parklet was co-designed by Noel Park Primary School Eco-Council students with input from local residents, and it is both a public space and an educational resource for the neighbourhood.
There are also permanent public realm improvements to enhance the new use of the space in cycle lanes and safer, accessible crossing installed.
The parklet includes, pollinating plants, two sapling trees, and lockable seed drying seed library cabinets for community use. The on-site tree nursery helps nurture an eco-supply chain with other urban greening projects in Wood Green.
The Parklet is complementary to the School Streets programme and there is an air quality monitor on site. By helping to reduce car parking and idling, we can make the air cleaner for everyone.
Many thanks to fabricator's Meristem and Building Bloqs for building and installing the timber modular elements of the parklet.
Project background
We worked with local greening group GrowN22, Jan Kattein Architects and residents and community groups to transform the Gladstone Avenue and Vincent Road junction into a neighbourhood parklet.
The parklet brings greenery and wildlife to this underused space, and opportunities to connect with nature through regular workshops and activities.
Fantasy garden drawings and model gardens
A vision for this space was developed with Noel Park Primary School pupils through:
- site investigations
- planting workshops
- drawings and models
On Wednesday 21 April 2021, the school council from Noel Park Primary School participated in a design workshops facilitated by Jan Kattein Architects and GrowN22.
The 20 students from years 1 to 6, were asked to imagine a 'fantasy garden', visualising ideas for the parklet site with colourful drawings. The students also made miniature gardens with recycled materials and planted seeds.
The students then visited the parklet site with Jan Kattein Architects and GrowN22 to discuss their ideas and draw them life-size on the ground with chalks. Some of these wonderful ideas and concepts have been incorporated into the design of the parklet.
You can see their designs in the Fantasy garden drawings and model garden Flickr gallery.
Get involved!
GrowN22 are looking for community volunteers to help take care of the parklet.
There is a community notice board for promoting local events and opportunities – if you would like to be part of it or you have ideas for ways to use the space please contact GrowN22.