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How Knowle Park became the park we know and love...
Knowle Park was generously gifted to our community by long time Cranleigh residents, Nick and Rowena Vrijland.
Together they shared a passion for protecting these beautiful wetlands, woodlands and open fields for future generations to share and enjoy.
Their vision was to create an outdoor space where people could gather, build friendships and care for the space together. Thereby enhancing the health and happiness of our community.
Benefactors of Knowle Park
Rowena and Nick Vrijland
Designer of Knowle Park
Jeff Wood BA[Hons], MLA, Cert.UD [Penn], CMLI
Jeff envisaged, managed and delivered this beautiful Park.
With a Masters in Landscape architecture and Urban Design studying at the University of Pennsylvania Jeff was key figure in the design of nationally and internationally renowned schemes across most development sectors including Europe's largest regional shopping centre, business parks, headquarters, city piazzas, and some of Britain’s' most significant public realm and urban regeneration masterplans of the last 20 years.
As a Cranleigh resident Jeff says "Designing Knowle Park has been a project of passion, a privilege to know that Cranleigh people will benefit from this space for generations to come.
Brief Timeline of Knowle Park
1970
Bruce McKenzie Purchased the Knowle Estate - currently Knowle Park Nursing Home and Knowle Park.
1978
Bruce McKenzie was assassinated on his return flight from Uganda.
Click here to read article by Joy Horn
Circa 1985
Knowle House and the grounds (now Knowle Park) were separated.
The grounds were purchased by Nick & Rowena Vrijland with a view to keeping it, untouched and green for future generations to enjoy.
2013
After the former Alfold Road glasshouses became obsolete and unsuitable for modern hydroponic use, and in response to a government call for housing sites, landowner, Nick Vrijland, formed Knowle Park Initiative.
The Initiative brought together local residents to work directly with the Cranleigh community, identifying genuine housing needs outside the influence of large, profit-led developers. Initial discussions were held seeking community input.
2014
A formal community consultation session was held in Cranleigh Baptist Church. The needs of the villagers were of paramount importance to the team and vital to the developing plan. The team consisted of Nick Vrijland, Jeff Wood of Curves Project Design Ltd, Lucy Boatswain, Sonja Rose, Bespoke Property Consultants - Andy Leahy, Gavin Bird, Peter Fulgoney, Water Environment Ltd, Douglas Briggs Partnership, Mayer Brown Ltd.
Jeff Wood prepared the Detailed Design & Access Statement and Parameter Plans together with input from the other individuals and project consultants on the KPI Team.
Knowle Park Initiative had 2 main goals:
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Design affordable housing that truly reflected the needs of local people - enabling them to live close to their jobs and families here in Cranleigh.
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To ensure that the adjacent park-land could be put into the safe hands of a Board of Trustees to make it accessible and to protect it for community enjoyment in perpetuity.
2015-17
In response to the challenges encountered during the planning application process, A2 Dominion and their planning team were selected to deliver all aspects of the project, as their approach closely aligned with the ethos and aspirations of Nick and Rowena Vrijland and Knowle Park Initiative.
Knowle Park Initiative welcomed Martin Bamford and Tim Crowe to the team.
2017
Planning Permission was granted for Knowle Park. Work could now begin on the Detailed Design Application.
This involved working closely with the Environment Agency with regard to the location of our proposed lake and the improved health of Littlemead Brook.
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2018
Final approval to the park was granted by the local planning authority. Knowle Park became a unique development, initiated and funded by a local landowner and gifted to the community in perpetuity.
Knowle Park Trust comprised of 5 Trustees: Nick Vrijland, Martin Bamford (Chairman), Jeff Wood (Designer of Knowle Park) Lucy Boatswain, Tim Crowe,
2019
Ground Control Ltd commenced work on site. This was interrupted in 2020 by the Covid Pandemic which raised many challenges affecting both programme and budget.
Throughout this time, despite some areas being fenced within a construction zone (predominantly the car park, playground and lake areas) Knowle Park remained otherwise open and welcoming those exercising under covid social distancing restrictions.
2023
In May 2023, the fences were quietly removed and Knowle Park opened to the community. Just as the Knowle Park Initiative had hoped a decade earlier, this moment marked the beginning of a new era shaped by local people.
As the park came to life, a new group of Trustees joined the team: Rosemary French OBE, Andy Bamford, Hannah Large (Events Coordinator), Wendy Varcoe MBE, and Brian Belcher, bringing fresh energy, experience, and vision.
Grant Pearman was appointed as Knowle Park’s first Park Manager and played a vital role in supporting the park’s early development. His passion, commitment, and belief in the park left a lasting impact. Grant sadly passed away in 2025 and is fondly remembered and deeply missed.
Since opening, volunteers, local groups, event organisers, and visitors have all played a growing role in shaping how the park is used and enjoyed. Through everyday visits, shared ideas, and community-led activity, Knowle Park continues to develop as a vibrant space shaped by the people who care for it.
2025
BALI Awards
Knowle Park was recognised and celebrated by the British Association Of Landscape Industries (BALI) at the National Landscape Awards.
Ground Control, Knowle Park's principal contractor, won a 2025 BALI Award in the Community & Schools category for their work at Knowle Park.
Particular recognition was given to the wonderful and welcoming community of volunteers in Knowle Park, whose weekly hard work keeps the park the beautiful and accessible space it has become.
Created for the people of Cranleigh and the surrounding villages, Knowle Park continues to grow and thrive, shaped by the community.