The eight-year old winner of a competition to name the green space and playground next to West Norwood Health and Leisure Centre joined Lambeth Councillors and Cabinet members to unveil signs displaying her name for the park. Official signage with the new name ‘Peregrine Park’ was unveiled by local school student Sophia Wells, her parents and representatives of Lambeth Council and healthcare investor Fulcrum on 21 July.
A place without a name
The green space has been popular with residents and families but had no name before the ‘Friends of West Norwood Health and Leisure Centre’ community group agreed a shortlist of the top 10 from 1000s of naming suggestions from local schools. The winner was chosen by public vote among all Lambeth residents.
Word from the Cabinet 
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Leisure and Sports, said: “We’re delighted that Sophia chose a name for this place that’s based on nature and wildlife, that the friends community group put it on the shortlists, and that the people of Lambeth recognised it as the best choice of a name to really get this space on the map. We look forward to seeing more environmental and biodiversity improvements here, and to seeing families go on enjoying using Peregrine Park for their health and wellbeing for years to come.”
Word from the winner 
Sophia said: “I really like the park because the peregrine falcons have made nests in the church near there and sometimes you can hear them. I’m really glad the park is going to be named after the falcons and I was ecstatic just to get into the final round of the competition, let alone win. Whenever we have spare time we go to Peregrine Park and I’ve made a lot of memories there. I hope lots of other children will make special memories in Peregrine Park too.”
A new landmark
Andrew Rowlands, Fulcrum General Manager, said: “The green space around the health and leisure centre has become a thriving place for residents and families, so it is fantastic that we now have a fitting name the local community can use. Huge congratulations to Sophia whose winning name will now become a new landmark for West Norwood.”
