Oakwood Park covers 64 acres, linking Winchmore Hill with Oakwood and Southgate. Originally part of Enfield Chase, for several centuries the land was primarily farmland owned by the De Bohen family, only becoming a public park in 1927 when Southgate Council purchased the land.
Oakwood Park was named after Oak Lodge, which stood in the grounds between the late 19th century and First World War. Like nearby Grovelands Park, it is designated as a site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation, with a large area of herb rich grassland and small pockets of woodland
Other important features include the avenue of Poplar trees, planted to mark the coronation of King George VI and an avenue of scarlet oak trees, planted by successive mayors over a period from 1945, a tradition which has now stopped.
A scene in the film That'll Be The Day (1973) starring David Essex was filmed by the boating pond in the western side of the park. Close to the pond is a cafe, tennis courts and playground.
For a quick cache and dash, park in Oakwood Crescent, however please note that at the start and end of a school day this road is VERY busy and best avoided - instead use nearby Willow Walk. If you're using PT, the 125 bus from Southgate station stops on Eversley Park Road. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PARK GATES ARE LOCKED AT DUSK.
There are a few random things for the F(C)TF - First Child(ren) To Find.