Description
The site was originally provided as open space for the Thames View Estate in the 1950s, but was transformed into its current form in 1999/2001 as part of the A13 Artscape Project. Artist Rob Kesseler was commissioned to design the new park, who developed his ideas in consultation with the community, entitling the project 'Turning over a New Leaf'. The layout includes planting of 11 different tree species, sculpted mounds, play areas and meandering paths, and with colour used to create interest.
Practical Information
| Site location | Roxwell Road, Thames View, Barking |
|---|---|
| Postcode | IG11 |
| What3Words | ///humid.bottom.bucket |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Barking & Dagenham |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Facilities | Play areas, basketball court, 5-a-side football pitch, small wheels area |
| Public Transport | London Overground/Rail/Tube (Hammersmith & City, District): Barking. Bus: 369 |
| Research Updated | 1 April 2009 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
Provided as open space when the Thames View Estate was built in the 1950s, this small area of green was transformed in 1999/2001 as part of the A13 Artscape Project when £100,000 was allocated to refurbish it. Artist Rob Kesseler was commissioned to redesign the landscape a following Community Landuse consultation exercise in late 1998 to assess local views. The art project 'Turning over a New Leaf' involved tree planting, re-landscaping to create sculpted mounds, a number of play areas for different ages, and meandering paths. Colour was used to create interest, including as viewed from the surrounding flats. The initial budget was enhanced with funds from sources including the Arts Council of England, the London Development Agency, and Surestart. The design included planting of 30 trees comprising 11 different species, chosen for variety and interest of leaf colour, and included tulip tree, gingko, grey alder, judas tree, Tibetan and Sargent cherry, birch jacquemontia, pin oak, white ash and sweet gum. Work began on National Tree Day on 23 November 1999 with children from the local estate participating.
The park was re-launched on 10 July 2001, and officially opened by the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Cllr Mrs Pat Twomey, at which event there were sports demonstrations, exhibitions and children's games. Rob Kesseler's concerns while working on the project included 'the need to ensure that the redesign of the park has a long life. Play equipment, however good, wears out gradually, but the environment in which it is placed can mature and improve if the landscaping and planting is considered as part of the whole scheme. Trees and shrubs grow and contribute greatly to the visual quality of the environment and how users interact with it.' The site now has a range of innovative play equipment for toddlers and older children, a hard surfaced 5-a-side football pitch, a basketball court and an open area for informal recreation. Recent improvements also include the creation of a scented garden, a small orchard and development of a flower meadow. It has won an Award from the Institute of Leisure Amenity Management.
The park was re-launched on 10 July 2001, and officially opened by the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Cllr Mrs Pat Twomey, at which event there were sports demonstrations, exhibitions and children's games. Rob Kesseler's concerns while working on the project included 'the need to ensure that the redesign of the park has a long life. Play equipment, however good, wears out gradually, but the environment in which it is placed can mature and improve if the landscaping and planting is considered as part of the whole scheme. Trees and shrubs grow and contribute greatly to the visual quality of the environment and how users interact with it.' The site now has a range of innovative play equipment for toddlers and older children, a hard surfaced 5-a-side football pitch, a basketball court and an open area for informal recreation. Recent improvements also include the creation of a scented garden, a small orchard and development of a flower meadow. It has won an Award from the Institute of Leisure Amenity Management.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ464831 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 0.8 |
| Site Ownership | LB Barking & Dagenham |
| Site Management | Parks & Countryside Ranger Service |
| Dates | 1950s; 1999/2001 |
| Designers | 1999/2001: Rob Kesseler |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Barking & Dagenham |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | Yes - Area of Archaeological Priority |
Gallery
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Nearby parks and gardens
Rippleside Cemetery is a large cemetery set up by Barking Parish Burial Board. It was opened in 1886, the first burial taking place in October of that year. The original C19th Lodge, gates and some original railings remain, together with the chapel, where the most impressive monuments are found. The grounds were well planted, and contain notable cedars, holly, yew, laurel and bay. The burial ground was extended to the east in c.1950. Today the cemetery has memorial and lawn-grave sections, a dedicated children's area and a memorial garden.
Eastbury is an Elizabethan Manor House built as a country residence for a wealthy merchant. The Manor dates back to at least the C14th when it belonged to Barking Abbey. From the early C18th onwards the estate was divided and the house gradually became dilapidated, occupied by a succession of tenant farmers. In 1913/14 the estate was broken up for building development. The house and immediate grounds, now the focus of a residential square built in the 1920s, was purchased by the National Trust in 1918 and later leased to Barking Borough Council. In the C18th the gardens comprised a west walled garden and two small plots to north and west of the house, both probably once enclosed, and an orchard to the south. The garden to the east is enclosed by C18th and C19th brick walls. Many of the original features have been restored, including the walled garden, in which 'bee-boles' can be seen in the walls.
Greatfields Park opened in 1926 on a site aquired by Barking Borough Council in 1923/4. By 1935 its facilities included bandstands, lawn tennis courts, children's paddling pool, putting green and children's gymnasium, with areas of formal planting, trees and avenue of willows. Some of these features still exist.
