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!
Information is listed alphabetically by parks or subject.
Crane Park Consultation
In early 2009 the Mayor of London launched a competition, where the public could vote for the local park that they felt most needed to be improved. Crane Park topped the vote, and £400,000 was allocated for the improvements.
Thank you to everybody who contributed to the Crane Valley Park consultation. We have had a very good response from the public. The results will now be collated and presented to the Steering Group towards the end of March.
We welcome your feedback during all stages of the project and you can contact us by email parks@richmond.gov.uk or call 08456 122660. Further information can also be found on www.hounslow.info/parks/cranevalley/index.htm.
Barnes Common
Biodiversity enhancement works funded by the EU SUN Project, will soon begin on Barnes Common. This will involve the creation of a new reedbed and the restoration of areas of acid grassland.
Reedbeds and lowland acid grassland are important for nature conservation in the UK and internationally because of the distinctive plant and animal species they support. Both habitats are recognised as of importance at national, regional and local levels and are Priority Habitats within UK, London and the local Borough of Richmond upon Thames’ Biodiversity Action Plans.
Due to the requirement for heavy machinery during construction works there will be short-term disruption for users of the Common with small areas temporarily closed.
Castelnau Recreation Ground
After a successful six month trial was carried out in partnership with SMP Playgrounds, it has been decided that the SportPoint will stay at Castelnau Recreation Ground. The equipment has proved to be very popular with young and old of mixed abilities, with the concept being a great success whilst providing an opportunity for free exercise for those who cannot afford gym fees.
Ham Village Green
New outdoor fitness equipment is due to be installed on 16 February 2010. The equipment consists of a Body Twist, Cross Rider, Chest Press, Double Air Walker, Sit Up Benches, Rowing Machine and Skier. The equipment will be placed on grasscrete.
Taster sessions will be available once the equipment has been installed. You can find details of these sessions on this page, on site, local libraries and youth and community centres.
Hatherop Park, Hampton
Since works were postponed on site in early autumn the perimeter safety fencing has been regularly checked, however sections of the fencing have periodically been reported as being down. When this has happened we have quickly reacted and had the fencing re-erected.
Works have now recommenced on site, with a completion date expected in the coming weeks. A tender will go out in early spring to lease the Kiosk facility.
Kew Pond
Re-landscaping works will commence on 8 March and are due to last a week. If you would like to help or take part in the works then you are more then welcome from Tuesday 9 March, just come along anytime between 9am and 5pm!
Kew Towpath
The Environment Agency is due to commence remedial works to the embankment at Kew. Having received planning permission works commenced 7 September 2009, lasting for approximately 5 months. The works will involve strengthening the embankment, planting of native trees, resurfacing and installation of seating across the towpath. The towpath and cycle path will be closed from Kew Bridge to Occupation Lane for the duration of these works. This is for the safety of the public and will include Christmas and New Year holidays. A parking suspension will be in place along Watcombe Cottages
(pdf, 88KB).
Kneller Gardens, West Twickenham
Works on site have run well being self contained and with minimal disruption to park users. EDF continue to be on site however with careful Officer Management the two schemes have not inhibited enjoyment of the park to much for users.
Works have however been extended due to delays in availability of materials and deliveries, the completion of which is expected in the coming weeks.
Kiosk
Richmond Youth Partnership (RYP) are working in partnership with the council to open a youth run cafe. RYP also aim to provide youth activities in the Gardens. The Friends of Kneller Gardens are very supportive of encouraging local, young people to be a major part of the park. Work will now start on an agreement.
Murray Park
A FitPoint trial will be taking place in Murray Park. The FitPoint has been relocated from Ham Village Green, where the trial for outdoor fitness has been a success.
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.
If you are witness to any behaviour which you believe may be causing damage to council property please contact the Council on details at the end of the page or out of office hours Careline 08456 007413 or the Local Safer Neighbourhood Team at 0208 898 8663 or email whitton.SNT@met.police.uk
North Sheen
Work started on the new pavilion on the week commencing 14 September. The contract duration will be 10 months.
The new pavilion will provide changing facilities, community room, disabled access, toilets and a café. Car parking will not be provided in the park.
Palewell Common and Fields
A FitPoint trial will be taking place in Palewell Common and Fields. The FitPoint has been relocated from Cambridge Gardens, where the trial for outdoor fitness has been a success.
New trees and dozens of daffodil bulbs have been planted on Palewell Common and Fields in East Sheen.
Play Builders and Play Rangers
Play Rangers are located in some of our parks to help children make the most of our parks.
The Play Builder project aims to develop natural play spaces in Richmond upon Thames.
Richmond is now deciding on year two play areas for Playbuilder 2010-2011 and we need your help to nominate some of the proposals.
Vine Road Recreation Ground
As part of the Council’s Borough-wide Parks Improvement Programme, various elements of this park have been identified as requiring upgrading. Planned works are due to be carried out, including:
- resurfacing existing hard standing, footpaths and around the paddling pool;
- creating a new footpath to the play area;
- returning a section of footpath to grass in order to create a 7-a-side football pitch;
- upgrade of park furniture and installation of new bins/benches and picnic tables
- tree work and hedge reduction
- creation of a wildflower meadow along perimeter
We also hope to work together with local people to establish a Friends of Vine Road Group.
Volunteer work
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!
Worple Way Recreation Ground
Works to resurface the ball court/ kick about area commenced on 8 February. The works will include upgrading the children’s playground with new/refurbished play equipment, new fencing and gates.
Sections of the playground will be closed as works progress and apologise for any inconvenience during these works.
Contact the Parks Department
Send your comments and feedback about our projects to:
Email: parks@richmond.gov.uk
Telephone: 08456 122660.