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!
Adizone for Old Deer Park
Richmond Council is pleased to announce a June installation of an Adizone (outdoor gym and fitness area) for Old Deer Park having successfully obtained match funding from London Marathon Trust.
The Olympic themed outdoor fitness facility at the Council’s major sporting site will further increase the opportunities for residents to lead an active and healthy lifestyle and provide the opportunity to socialise whilst exercising. The Adizone reputation will engage young people and provide a place for them to be a part of the Olympic movement in Richmond.
The Adizone is due to be installed end of June 2012 in the area to right of double gates, before you enter grass tennis courts (old bowling green). For more information please contact the Parks Team.
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 has now ended.
Crane Valley Park - Help a London Park Project
Over the past two year the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the London Borough of Hounslow have worked together successfully 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.
The project has now been completed.
Dean Road Consultation Results
As part of the Hampton North Uplift proposals we consulted on the upgrade of the existing grass area at the end of Dean Road.
Following consultation on site and on our web page, we have completed the following:
- Planted an orchard of fruit at the rear of the area
- Planted native hedging along the boundary with neighbouring properties
- Installed a waste bin
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 kept under control at all times. See our dogs in parks page for more information.
Dog Control Order Consultation
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 Notice of Intention to Make a Dog Control Order
Notice is hereby given that The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Council (the Council) proposes to make an Order under part 6 of the Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005, the effect of which will be to create an offence in relation to:
1. A person taking more than 4 dogs onto land to which this Order applies.
Offence
A person in charge of a dog who breaches a term of the Order shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1000) unless he has a reasonable excuse or the owner, occupier or other person or authority having control of the land has consented (generally or specifically) to his breaching the order.
Land in respect of which the Order is to apply
The Order will apply to all land within the London Borough of Richmond which is open to the air, including covered land which is open on a least one side, and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access (with or without payment) and which is owned and/or maintained by the Council.
Inspecting the Order
The Order and the schedules attached to it may be inspected free of charge on the Council’s website or by written request.
Consultation has now ended.
Events Policy
The Council has updated 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 was 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.
The documents are available to download on our Events Page.
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 about the Mad About Meadows campaign 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
A partial refurbishment of playground equipment to improve play value and the range of equipment was completed on 18 May 2012 and is now open to the public.
Carlisle Park
Work to replace the older playground equipment in both the junior playground and infant playground with modern fully compliant equipment was completed on 18 May 2012 and is now open to the public.
Old Deer Park
Work to replace the older playground equipment in both Infant and junior play areas with modern fully compliant equipment is ongoing. The works are due to take 4 weeks and both Play Areas will be closed for the duration. The nearest play areas as Moormead Recreation Ground in St Margaret's and Worple Way in Richmond Town Centre.
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.
For further information please see our Parks and Open Spaces Strategic Principles.
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.
Thames Towpath
Footpath improvement are taking place on a stretch of Mortlake to Barnes Towpath extending from Ye White Hart Public House approx 100m towards Mortlake High Street. Improvements will also take place to the steps leading down the side of the public house and 5 new benches will be installed on granite setts on the stretch towards Barnes Bridge.
Vine Road Recreation Ground Consultation
As part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to improving Parks and Open Spaces, funding has been secured from the London Marathon Trust to install natural play equipment in Vine Road Recreation Ground during 2012. Following consultation it has been decided that the best location is along the railway boundary. Work will now start on obtaining designs with a proposed install in mid summer.
For more information please contact the Parks Team.
Volunteer work
British Trust of Conservation Volunteers (BTCV)
Along 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 at awillmore@wildllondon.org.uk.
Friends of the River Crane Enviroment (FORCE)
FORCE is a registered charity based in Twickenham whose aim is 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 the FORCE website for details about volunteer days.
Contact the Parks Department
Send your comments and feedback about our projects to:
Email: trees&parks@richmond.gov.uk
Telephone: 08456 122660.