Parks and playgrounds directory

Location

Purley, junction of Higher Drive and Foxley Road.

Area

12 1/2 acres 5.06 hectares.

Facilities

• Open field set beside woodland
• Multi-games courts
• Tennis courts
• Children's playground and picnic area

History

The Recreation Ground was acquired in two parts, firstly the upper field beside Higher Drive and then the lower field behind Oaks Road. The top field was purchased in 1925 by the Urban District Council and was a former part of the Sherwood Oaks Estate. The other field was compulsorily purchased by the Council in 1953 from Roke Land Ltd. under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government powers. The area was retained as an open space.

The hedge between the two fields and beside Higher Drive shows very clearly on a mid‐19th century plan of the area. The fields were reached by a track which led from Old Lodge Lane, east past Old Lodge Farm and up the hill to the top field. This track no longer exists but is probably along the line of Lodge Hill.