Mayow Park officially opened to the public in 1878 as Sydenham Recreation Ground. It is Lewisham's second oldest open space after Blackheath, built on a site owned by the Mayow family. Reverend Wiliam Taylor Jones played a key part in raising funds and finding the site. The historic but no longer working granite water fountain is a memorial to his philanthropic role. The parkland gently undulates and paths are mostly in good condition, making it wheelchair friendly. For a relatively small park it has plenty of facilities to meet the needs of all ages. It includes a central field for sports such as football, cricket and school sports days. Tennis courts, a trim trail and outdoor gym all encourage fitness. There are play spaces for younger and older children. But it is also a space to relax, read in the shade of trees or on a park bench. The woodland round the perimeter is a haven for wildlife. A number of bird species can be found. The ancient pollarded oaks originally marked field boundaries butnow they compete for attention with other impressive trees include horse chestnut, hornbeam, silver birch, beech, poplar and lime. Ornamental trees include a magnificent Cedar of Lebanon and a Dawn Redwood. An independent cafe draws people in to spend time in the park. Grow Mayow Community Garden, an independent community garden behind the cafe, a place to relax. Friends of Mayow Park are a group of volunteers who keep an eye on the park and organise events that highlight features of the park.