This summer Priory Park has been one of the brighter aspects of lockdown – it has been a hub for neighbours, dogs and children, and it’s been one of the great consolations to be able to wander out and meet and talk to so many others (at a safe distance!) .
It is appreciated that even with exceptionally heavy use, people have mostly treated the park with respect and care. 
 
We’re also grateful to the Council parks staff, who have coped so well with very limited resources to keep the park safe for us all

New playground equipment

We are delighted to say that the playground project has been completed. 
The toddler piece of equipment is now installed and being used.
 

The wheelchair accessible roundabout was replaced by Haringey and the new version is installed away from the sandpit.
The Sandpit had a bit a of a facelift too, with replacement of the climbing apparatus.
We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to our fundraising effort, and for your patience. 
Thanks go to Haringey Parks Services who funded the removal costs, the new roundabout, the new sandpit equipment, all the delivery and installation costs and the new safety surfacing.

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The Priory Park calendar for 2021 is now available. Please see the Priory Park website to buy it online and to find out about other outlets including the Café by the paddling pool. 
 
We will be selling the calendar from the green hut near the tennis courts on Sat 31st Oct 2.30 – 4pm and on  Sat 7th Nov 1.30 – 4pm.  Card only please.
 

Litter Marshals

We are re-instating our idea of Litter Marshals. Anyone interested in becoming a Litter Marshal should see our website.
You will be loaned a litter picker, a hi-vis jacket, and bags etc for an indefinite period to do litter picking whenever it suits you.

Volunteer Vacancies

FOPP are always keen to hear from new Volunteers, and we are currently hoping to find a new Treasurer to relieve Bethan Sussex.  Beth has given a great service to FOPP but is looking to move on from the role.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss this opportunity.

Philosophers’ Garden
 
FOPP have set in place plans to refurbish and enhance the pond in the Philosophers’ Garden.
A new solar powered pump for the pond is on order – hopefully this will be installed before Xmas 2020.
 
For more details of refurbishing the Philosophers’ Garden see FOPP website.
 
New wooden toadstools
 
We are planning to install the new toadstool seats at the same time as the pond is refurbished.  They will be relocated onto drier land within the philosophers’ garden.
 
Dog Order Controls
 
During the summer Haringey Anti-Social Behaviour Team ran a consultation on the current Dog Order Controls which are in place across the borough.  We are currently waiting for the results to be published.
 
Trees
The recent storms have resulted in a number of fallen branches within the park.  The Trees in the Park were surveyed by the Arboricultural Team in October 2019 and works to the trees were carried out at the beginning of the year.  
 
If there is a tree that warrants concern it can be reported to the maintenance team through the Haringey Council website
 
YMCA Fun Run
Due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions the YMCA Festival and Fun Run has now been cancelled for 2020.

Christmas Tree sales
 
The Tree Amigos will be returning again at the end of November with their collection of Christmas Trees and Decorations.  Their winter village will this year be set up on the Pavilion Green.  
The Tree Amigos make a donation to the FOPP for every tree sold, and these proceeds are used to help fund our projects.

Customers are reminded not to bring their cars into the park.
 
The Hiroshima Tree
A cherry tree was planted in the Ornamental Garden, around 1970, to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Hiroshima bombing. It died earlier this year of a fungal infection called Ganoderma.
In October this year, FOPP replaced the tree with a new Cherry Tree. FOPP will also reinstate the dedication plaque.
More details on the FOPP website.
 
Anti-social Behaviour within the Park
During the Summer months, when the park was incredibly busy, FOPP received some complaints of anti-social behaviour along a few key themes, namely graffiti, inappropriate use of the Tennis Courts, and cars within the park.
 
The volunteers within Friends of Priory Park are not able to enforce any by-laws within the park.
 
If you witness anti-social behaviour it should be reported to the police through 999 (if it feels like the situation could get heated or violent very soon, if someone is in immediate danger or if you need support right away), or phone 101 or report to the Hornsey Safer Neighbourhood Team.
 
Antisocial Behaviour should also be reported to the Haringey Anti-social Behaviour Team, this team is the only part of the council which has the power to enforce the by-laws of the park and the dog control orders.
The team can be contacted on 020 8489 1335  and the Haringey Council Website has a reporting tool on their website.
If you need to report damage or litter within the park you can make a report through the Haringey Council Reporting App “ LoveCleanStreets” or through the Parks Services Webpage Report a Problem in a Park.
 
 
Cars driving into Priory Park
 
Cars are not allowed within Priory Park with the exception of deliveries and maintenance vehicles.  The Anti-social Behaviour Team are the only team which can enforce this by-law.  FOPP have been working with the Parks Services Team on this issue.  The Bollards which were installed in the summer were temporarily removed for a few days, which lead to an influx of parking on the lawn. The bollards have since been appropriately secured.
 
Tennis courts - inconsiderate behaviour
 
FOPP have discussed the reports received of inconsiderate behaviour within the tennis courts. It is agreed that individuals are responsible for the management of their behaviour on the courts.  
The guidelines issued by the Haringey Anti-Social Behaviour team allow for dogs to be on the courts when they are not in use.
We are very fortunate to the legacy of the FOPP under the Chair of Chris Chadwick who successfully campaigned for our courts to remain free from fees and booking administration and facilitated the renovation which puts our courts on a par with those of a Tennis Club.
 
FOPP ask that consideration is given to all users and that appropriate priority is given to children wishing to use the junior courts and to those wishing to play tennis over other activities.