The Phoenix Outdoor Centre and Canoe Club opened its doors to Leïla Davaud
The motor stops. The boat glides, slowly. All around it, cygnets float quietly, sharing the water with all sorts of birds that have taken refuge in the Brent Reservoir, previously called the ‘Welsh Harp’. It’s peaceful, refreshing.
Further down, bursts of laughter come from the shore. It’s the soundtrack to Camp Phoenix. “For a week, kids can try different activities,” explains Phil Atkinson, club lead and centre development director.
“They get a half-day ‘Fun on the water’ where they can go out with a kayak or a stand-up paddle, get used to their surroundings. They get a day of multi-activity and then two-day courses for level one and two kayaking or levels one-four sailing”
The camp runs through the summer, alongside other groups. “We also host sessions for children with [holiday] vouchers,” explains Phil.
It is exactly how Kathwar’s ten-year-old daughter ended up on a kayak on this sunny morning. “We heard about the Phoenix Centre at school and my daughter loved it straight away. It’s her second summer here, so she insisted on coming back. It’s great for families, the team is incredible!”
By offering activities all year long, local families know where to find the club and come to escape the heat waves. Eliza comes often with her two sons “to escape the city and stay cool. They choose paddleboarding so they get to fall in the water!”
Supervising their children, Carlo Vizzotto is all smiles. “This is a very special place. The wildlife, the scenery. We can’t really ask for more!
“It’s grounding for the kids, it’s incredible to have this space in the city. We get around ten thousand visits per year. People love this little oasis!”
Companies also book activities for their team-building sessions, some come back with their families or even join the sailing club.
And that is why the outdoor centre is in need of a glow-up. In a few weeks, the first phase of demolition will start. Phil explains the plan: “We will go through six months of construction but the activities will continue on the water. In 2027, we will be able to host the community properly.”
The redevelopment will create a modern, accessible outdoor centre that serves as a community hub. Expanded water and land-based activities, together with meeting rooms and training spaces will be provided.
”A community café will benefit local residents, schools, businesses and community groups. Working with partner organisations, the centre will deliver leisure, fitness and vocational training, including opportunities for adults with learning difficulties through the café and vegetable garden.”
The new centre will aim to strengthen community connections, and provide greater opportunities for volunteering, education, employment and environmental conservation.
“It is and will definitely be the place to spend summer days,” assures Kathwar, her eyes glued to her daughter laughing out loud in her kayak.
Local news needs your support
We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
ACT NOW!
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.
More information on supporting us monthly
More Information about donations
Enjoying Barnet Post? You can help support our not-for-profit newspaper and news website from £5 per month.