Latest parks information
This page has information including works and repairs in your parks and open spaces. We update this page every two weeks. Let us know what you think about the parks and open spaces in your area. All feedback and comments are considered when works are carried out. These comments (and complaints) are vital in helping the council decide on which areas to improve.
Help us help you to a cleaner, greener and brighter borough!
Strategic Principles
Following targeted consultation on a future Parks and Open Spaces Strategy back in September 2010, we have developed a set of Strategic Principles which will be the foundation for how parks and open spaces are managed in the future.
We will be adopting these Strategic Principles in January 2012.
Draft Events Policy
The Council is in the process of updating its events policy which covers the hire of land which it owns or manages within the borough. In addition to the Events Policy the administration of events is being revised and improved. This includes a new application form, a set of terms and conditions, revised fees and charges as well as a set of event guidelines.
Cabinet approval will be sought in February 2012 and once approved these new documents will be available to download.
Barbecues in parks
Barbecues are not permitted in any Council managed parks or open spaces. This includes disposable barbecues.
Byelaw consultation
Consultation on Proposed byelaw by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames to prevent and suppress the nuisance of unauthorised mooring along the banks of the River Thames on land owned by the local authority.
Richmond Council is proposing to implement the byelaw in the following terms:
“No person shall in any ground having a frontage to the River Thames moor any boat except where any part of the ground has by notice affixed in a conspicuous position been set aside by the Council as a place where mooring is permitted provided always that no boat moored pursuant to this byelaw shall remain moored in the ground for more than 24 hours in any period of 48 hours”.
If you would like to comment on the proposed new byelaw please submit your comments via letter or email and title your response ‘Proposed byelaw by the London Borough of Richmond to prevent and suppress the nuisance of unauthorised mooring’.
Consultation starts: Monday 16 January 2012
Ends: Friday 6 April 2012
Send your letter submissions to:
David Allister
Head of Parks, Post and Print
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Civic Centre
44 York Street
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ
Email: trees&parks@richmond.gov.uk
For more information please see out current consultation page here.
Crane Valley Park - Help a London Park Project
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the London Borough of Hounslow are working together in partnership with the Greater London Authority, the Friends of the River Crane Environment, and the London Wildlife Trust to deliver the Mayor of London's Help a London Park project.
Please see Crane Valley Park page for further details.
Dean Road Consultation
As part of the Hampton North Uplift proposals we would like your views on the upgrade of the existing grass area at the end of Dean Road.
Current proposals are to:
- Plant an orchard of fruit and nut trees at the rear of the area
- Plant native hedging along boundary with neighbouring properties
- Install a picnic bench; two benches and a waste bin
We welcome your views on these proposals or any other suggestions you may have in relation to improving this area.
Please contact us at trees&parks@richmond.gov.uk.
Dogs in Parks
The Council have identified what appears to be deliberate dog damage on several mature trees and evidence of dogs having dug up the turf in several locations. Therefore all dog walkers are reminded that dogs should be under control at all times. See our dogs in parks page for more information.
Heathfield Recreation Ground
New play equipment is due to be installed at Heathfield recreation ground to further enhance the already popular natural playspace. The play equipment will include a tree house and a basket swing. The work is due for completion by the end of January 2012.
Kings Field
The Kings Field Skate Park is now open. See the Young people and parks page for more details.
Users of the Skate Park must have an 'Access Pass' to be able to use this facility.
Application forms for an 'Access Pass' are available from the KCafe or can be downloaded from www.kcafe.org.uk. The scheme is being administered by Richmond Youth Partnership on behalf of the Council and a pass costs £5.
The pass will have a photo of the holder displayed and will have the conditions of use and code of conduct printed on the reverse. The onsite attendant will be checking passes on entry to the skate park.
Mad About Meadows
Inspired by the wildflower meadows in the new Olympic Park, 25 organisations have been brought together by London In Bloom with the aim of enhancing communities and improving biodiversity through the enhancement of existing and creation of new native wildflower meadows across Greater London. Find out more here or email madaboutmeadows@london2012.com.
Playground Improvements
A series of improvements are due to take place this spring in the following play areas.
Westerly Ware
Work including replacing the chain-link boundary fence to the playground with more secure bow top fencing with works currently in progress. There will also be improvements to the drainage and repair of tarmac paths.
A partial refurbishment of playground equipment will take place to improve play value and the range of equipment in March 2012, details will be published once the designs have been evaluated later this month.
Carlisle Park
Work will include replacing the older playground equipment in both the junior playground and infant playground with modern fully compliant equipment in March 2012., details will be published once the designs have been evaluated later this month. This is in order to improve the play value and increase the range of equipment on the site.
Old Deer Park
Work will include replacing the older playground equipment in both Infant and junior play areas with modern fully compliant equipment in March 2012, details will be published at the site once the designs have been evaluated later this month. This will improve the play value and range of equipment on the site.
Terrace Gardens
Terrace yard (behind the conservatory) was sold by the Council to Berkeley Homes. Developers have permission to build residential homes on the site. This development will include new facilities for the park staff. Works commenced in September 2010.
The footpath fronting the development and the pedestrian crossing will be closed; please follow diversion signs and use the pedestrian crossing further along Petersham Road. Access to the Conservatory will not be affected. For more information contact Parks at trees&parks@richmond.gov.uk.
Volunteer work
British Trust of Conservation Volunteers
With the BTCV, we are asking everyone to get involved with volunteer work in parks. If you enjoy the outdoors and getting hands on then get involved!
Crane Volunteer Group
CVG will then meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 10.30am to 2pm at the Shot Tower, Crane Park. For further information contact Andy Willmore Community Project Officer, Crane Valley London Wildlife Trust awillmore@wildllondon.org.uk.
Friends of the River Crane Enviroment (FORCE)
FORCE is a registered charity based in Twickenham whose aims are to protect and enhance the open spaces and environment in and around the River Crane and the Duke of Northumberland's River within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and its environs.
Visit their website www.force.org.uk for details on volunteer days.
Contact the Parks Department
Send your comments and feedback about our projects to:
Email: trees&parks@richmond.gov.uk
Telephone: 08456 122660.