Roundwood Park

[2] It was originally known in the 19th century as Knowles Hill (its name coming from the Knowles Tower nearby),[3][4] or Hunger Hill Common Field,[3][4] and after much work by Oliver Claude Robson, became the Roundwood Park known to the public today (its name coming from the Roundwood House originally beside it).

[3][4] In 1892, George Furness, at that time the owner of Roundwood House, sold Knowles Hill to the Willesden Local Board for a bargain price of £14,500.

[3][4] After Knowles Hill was sold to the Willesden Local Board, they appointed Oliver Claude Robson to be the main architect.

The main gates were built in 1895 by "Messrs. Tickner and Partington" at the Vulcan Works, located on Harrow Road, Kensal Rise.

Originally there was the Willesden Local Board's coat of arms on the gates, but along with general acanthus leaf decorations, it has gradually disappeared over the years.

[3][4][6] Robson decided that a café would be a good addition to the park, so in 1897 a suitable building was designed and constructed by council employees.

Known as the Lodge Café, it currently it features a children's playground, sandpit, and an outdoor seating area.

Next to the entrance is the statue "The Spirit of Youth" by Freda Skinner, which was originally installed outside the new indoor pool at Willesden Lido.

Owners of pets of many types, flowers and vegetables, and even 'bonny babies' would compete for prizes in large canvas tents.

Art and crafts were shown, and demonstrations of dog handling, sheep shearing, parachuting and trick motor cycling given.

[3][4][6] For more than 10 years after the Park opened, the Willesden Junction Brass Band gave concerts at the bandstand.

Roundwood Park Model Railway Club were running the enterprise in the early 1970s, but gradually the system fell into disuse, and was removed in 1998.

[3][4] To mark the 100th anniversary of the park in 1995, the paved rosebush-lined central pathway was equipped with sturdy new seats and a Victorian-style gazebo.

[3][4][6] After an approach by Willesden & District Caged Birds Society in 1955, the Council approved the establishment of an aviary.

Sporting activities are not usually catered for, with the exception of a bowling green built near the centre of the southern path, next to the café.