At the heart of Horsham, West Sussex is Horsham Park, a 24 hectare haven of open space.
From its agricultural beginnings to its first documented use as space for public entertaining, the Park has remained a constant as the town has grown. Horsham District Council acquired the land during the pre and post war era, following it’s designation as ‘Pleasure Grounds’
Today, Horsham Park forms an important ‘green lung’ in the centre of a busy market town.
Encompassing formal gardens, traditional park land and natural copses as well as a large well equipped play area, formal sports clubs, state of the art tennis courts and host of free to use outdoor fitness equipment the park offers something for everyone.
Complementing the main park are the additional attractions on its perimeter. The Pavilions in the Park leisure centre, Kaya Café and The Rec Rooms entertainment centre offer visitors a wealth of leisure opportunities.
Nature continues to thrive in the park, with well-established trees, wooded area and hedgerows providing habitats for a variety of wildlife. Recent and forthcoming planting initiatives focus on encouraging pollinators and meeting the challenges of climate change.
The community have always and continue to play an important part in the life of park with particular support and input received from Denne Neighbourhood Council and The Friends of Horsham Park.
During the Covid pandemic Horsham Park has provided sanctuary for many residents, although its increased use has without doubt created day to day and longer term management challenges.
It is hoped that in summer 2021, volunteers will be able to return in greater numbers and the planned summer event schedule will be able to go ahead.