Parks named as best free places to go
Wednesday July 20, 2012
Mothers from across the capital have named Ravenscourt Park and Bishops Park as two of the top free places to go in London.
Both parks came top in a poll by online parenting organisation Netmums who asked mothers to nominate their favourite places to take their children.
The two parks have a wide range of attractions for mothers and their children so it is no wonder that they won the awards.
Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “This borough has some of the most beautiful and family-friendly parks and open spaces in London and I am delighted that Ravenscourt Park and Bishops Park have won these awards. They are particularly special as they are ‘mum’s choice’ awards and recognise what great places both parks are for families to visit.”
Ravenscourt Park in Hammersmith is already an award-winning park having been given Green Flag status from the Keep Britain Tidy Group for the last two years.
The park boasts a hugely popular natural play area featuring climbing areas and slides, a nature area, tennis courts, a café with reasonable priced healthy foods, a dog-free picnic area overlooking a pond and interesting birdlife.
Ravenscourt Park also plays host to the annual Playday extravaganza which sees thousands of children and their families attend for a day of free activities. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday August 3, from 12 noon to 4pm, and will feature a selection of free inflatables and children's funfair rides. There will also be a talent show, music and much more.
Bishops Park in Fulham will be even more popular with families when its urban beach opens to the public in September. The beach forms part of an £8million project to improve Bishop's Park and the adjoining grounds of Fulham Palace. The council has received £3.65million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help pay for the project.
The park also features a natural play area and was recently named one of the capital’s safest parks by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
