Another example is the sports arena in the north west corner of the park.  Here the outside border of the arena has been defined by the planting of poplar trees, of the type one would find bordering a country road in France.  This may look good in France, but the 100 foot height of the trees now greatly obscures the most northern section of the park.  This is not an easy condition to change, as the trees do screen the not very attractive sports ring, and there are those who really like their appearance.  On the other hand, they will just continue to grow and further erase the visible skyline, so perhaps some pruning is in order.

What would Capability Brown think of Wimbledon Park today?  He would probably be shocked at the level of urbanisation that has occurred, and I have a feeling that cars and parking problems wouldn't impress him.  He would still recognise his park.  Yes, there are now some buildings in the park that may not be to his liking and there may be some which he may well find very attractive, as they echo his era. 

The strange tribal markings painted in vivid colours upon the sides of a few of the structures and fences we can be pretty sure wouldn't impress him. 

But then, after reflecting on the numbers of people who come to the park and the role that it plays in the large community which surrounds it, I don't think he would be that displeased.  In fact, he may well feel real pride that the basics of the park have stood the pressure of time so well and are still there for the enjoyment of people.

Sim Comfort
Chairman
Wimbledon Park Heritage Group
020 8944 8747
sim@simcomfort.demon.co.uk