Walk Islington

Gillespie Park
Ecology Centre
Lucerne Road
32 33
it was affectionately known, was built in
1 13 and only closed in May 2006. It’s
now being redeveloped into 711 residential
properties with a swimming pool,
and garden – the former pitch. Past the stadium
turn left onto Gillespie Road. A little way down on your right, you
will see an archway in an unobtrusive brick wall leading into a
mosaic walkway – this is the entrance to Gillespie Park 5 .
This park is truly green, a great example
of how things can be done towards a more
sustainable future. Its six acres include
a nature trail – more like walking in the
countryside than the middle of Islington –
an open play area, water recycling features,
a wildlife pond, a wildlife garden
and the educational Ecology Centre.
A destination in itself, the park makes
a fitting rural end to your Highbury walk
and a good spot for a picnic. If you’re ready
for home, turn right down Gillespie Road and Arsenal Station
is a few minutes walk away. But if you’d like to extend the walk
to take in the new Arsenal Emirates Stadium, continue past
the station and onto Drayton Park Road. Go over the bridge
and you can walk all around the stadium adding a kilometre
to your walk.