Park of the week

178. Meriden Park

I found this park by looking on a map for green spaces. It’s in north Watford and I couldn’t resist the call of the M1.

I can’t seem to find any historical information about the park, but the nearby Meriden estate was built in the nineteen sixties, so perhaps it dates from then. It was a good place for a walk – green, and with different sorts of landscapes: some open spaces, some trees. It gave the impression of being bigger than it probably is. 

A lot of improvement work in the park took place about a year ago and there are now better paths and landscaping. In the spring there will be a new wildflower meadow and more benches for seating and picnics. More trees will be planted in the park, which will add to Watford’s overall tree canopy, which is 18.2%, already higher than the national average of 16%.

I wondered what that actually means. According to the Forestry Commission, they choose 350-600 points per ward, to view and see whether there is tree canopy in view. leading to a standard error of less than 2% (look it up if you’re still with me). If you want to do your own study, get an empty toilet paper or paper towel cardboard tube. Look up at the sky through the tube and estimate what percentage of the view is obstructed by tree branches and leaves. 

There are also a car park, children’s playground, multi-use games area, table tennis tables and an outdoor gym. There isn’t a café or toilets. Meriden Community Centre is at the edge of the park.

Judith Field

Meriden Park, Meriden Way, Watford WD25 9ET