More park plans

Wednesday June 9, 2010

Residents across the borough are set to benefit from plans to install brand new play areas in 11 more parks and open spaces.

H&F Council has earmarked over £1m to spend on natural and adventurous play equipment and is now keen to find out what young people would like to see in their favourite park.

Ten parks have benefitted from new equipment in the last year and children and their parents have been quick to praise the council on the improvements.

The council has now written to residents living close to the following potential play areas asking for comments:, White City (Mackay House), Gwendwr Open Space, Wendell Park, Eel Brook Common, Lillie Rd Recreation Ground, Rowberry Mead and South Park. The council has already consulted on plans to improve Bishops Park and designs are now being drawn up. Environmental charity Groundworks is leading on plans for new equipment at Queen Caroline Estate, Emlyn Gardens, William Parnell Park and will consult in the near future.

Once residents have given the Council the go-ahead on the locations, each new play area will embrace natural features such as grassy mounds, fallen trees, sand and climbing boulders to give children more opportunities to play freely and creatively.

Ideas up for consideration include hills to climb up and roll down, interesting pathways to follow and fallen trees to balance on.

Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: "Fun and exciting opportunities to play are at the heart of a happy, healthy and enjoyable childhood. We know that children and their parents are delighted with the improvements that we have already made across the borough are looking forward to starting on the next phase of the scheme. Make sure you have your say and let us know what you would like to see."

Parks to have benefitted from new natural and adventurous play equipment in the last year include Hurlingham Park, where local residents have been delighted with the improvements.

Betsy Ludwig Abdallah, 40, of the Mums group of Friends of Hurlingham Park, said: “The new play equipment is wonderful and we are pleased that the council appreciates the importance of play spaces in the community. It is very important for children to have good play areas. It builds their self-esteem and their social skills.”

If you have received a letter from the council asking for your thoughts on park improvements, email comments to parks@lbhf.gov.uk or write to The Parks Team, H&F Council, 77 Glenthorne Road, Hammersmith, W6 OLJ.