The recreation ground as we know it began a century ago, when the Barnes Urban District Council purchased 5.5 acres for £3850 from the executors of the estate of Walter Barker, the market gardener who owned the land, with the aim of providing a space for recreation. We are thankful to the Barker family for sharing the recollections of F. A. Barker (Walter’s son) of his life at Barnes with us.

Initially there was no access from the western (Westfields) end. In 1932, following negotiations with Joseph Pither of 68 Railway Side, a piece of his land 10’ x 55’ was purchased by the Recreation Ground for £100, with an agreement to erect a 6′ fence between the land and his remaining garden. This land provided the main pedestrian access from Railway Side that continues to this day.

Over the years there were many additions: the main pavilion with changing rooms and a tea-room, a ‘keeper’s cottage’, paddling pool, playground, bowling green and bowling pavilion.

At one stage in living memory, a team of three full time groundsmen and an apprentice were all employed to look after this site alone.