Calling all under 18’s: Have your say on our parks and open spaces

Following the success of the previous Youth Engagement Consultation in 2023, we're running it again to hear fresh ideas. Your feedback will help us improve parks and open spaces - making them more welcoming, fun, and accessible for young people across our borough.

Whether you visit parks to relax, play, meet friends, or take part in activities, your feedback will help shape future improvements.

Take part and help us improve our parks for young people like you. Tell us what you think by Sunday 5 October 2025.

Complete the online survey

If you need to request a paper questionnaire or any other format, please email parks@richmond.gov.uk or call 020 8891 1411 quoting Young People in Parks and Open Spaces survey.

Youth Engagement Consultation 2023

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide responses in our previous survey.

The feedback collected has been used to make changes and improve the parks and open spaces throughout the borough, helping to make Richmond upon Thames an even nicer place to live and study.

Improvements to our parks and open spaces

Based on the feedback received, here are some of the actions we’ve taken.

1. Greener spaces

We’re investing in nature and sustainability across our parks.

Biodiversity initiatives include:

• More pollination stations
• Loggeries and bug hotels at various sites
• Pond improvements at Hatherop Park
• A hedgehog release area and extended tree corridor at Hampton Common
• A wildlife garden at Compass Hill with bird and bat boxes
• An urban meadow at Twickenham Green

Community growing spaces have also been introduced at Hounslow Heath, Cambridge Gardens, and Jubilee Meadows, encouraging local food production and environmental stewardship.

2. Social Spaces and Community Activities

We’re creating more spaces for people to connect and enjoy the outdoors. Picnic tables have been added to Hatherop Park, Murray Park, Cambridge Gardens, St Lukes Open Space, and Westerley Ware. Mobile catering concessions are being trialled at Heathfield Rec and Murray Park.

Community engagement has also been a focus, with activities including:

• All-ability cycling sessions at Kneller Gardens
• Planting sessions at Hounslow Heath and Hampton Common
• Bird and bat box making with Friends groups
• Multi-skills activity days supported by the Police Youth Project at several parks
• Festive celebrations with tree decorating and carols at Diamond Jubilee Gardens

3. Play for all ages

We’ve expanded and enhanced play opportunities for children and young people. A basket swing has been added to Orleans Gardens for older children and teens.

Across other parks, play areas have been upgraded with new features including:

• A sand pit at Kings Field
• Widget boards and play panels at Raleigh Road Rec
• Accessible roundabouts at Heathfield Rec, Orleans Gardens, Worple Way, North Sheen Rec, and Kneller Gardens
• A trim trail and additional play panels at Kneller Gardens
• Resurfacing and a new play spinner at Church Road

4. Fitness and sports facilities

Outdoor fitness facilities have been expanded to support healthy lifestyles.

New additions include:

• Electric charging bikes at Kings Field gym
• Outdoor gyms at Barn Elms Southside (with a charging bike) and Cambridge Gardens
• Football pitches at Murray Park
• Pétanque pistes at Westerley Ware and Kneller Gardens

5. Improved facilities

We’ve improved access to essential amenities across our parks. New drinking fountains have been installed at Terrace Gardens, Broom Road, Murray Park, Radnor Gardens, Crane Park, and Champions Wharf. In addition, toilets are now available at Heathfield Rec (open daily), Murray Park (weekends only), and East Sheen Common (weekends only), making visits more comfortable for everyone.