Have your say on new inclusive sports facilities at Kneller Gardens and park opening hours

We invite residents and local groups to share your views and opinions on proposals for new Pétanque pistes at Kneller Gardens and unlocking 11 parks at night.

New inclusive sports facilities at Kneller Gardens

We are proposing to introduce Pétanque pistes (terrains) to Kneller Gardens, with support from local community group Friends of Kneller Gardens. Pétanque, known in France as 'boules,' is a game played on gravel surfaces. It is an inclusive sport for everyone, and the facilities will be free to access. 

As part of this proposal, two pistes will be created, and a wheelchair-accessible pathway will connect this area to the existing hardstanding in front of and at the rear of the café building (near the toilets). A new bench will be installed for park users, and signage will be installed to explain the rules of play, ensuring new players can participate with full instructions. The café will offer free rental of boules with a refundable deposit, making it accessible to all park users. 

You can learn more about the Petanque proposal and give us your feedback before Monday 10 February 2025 by filling out our online survey.

Unlocking 11 parks at night

Last year, a three-month parks unlocking trial was conducted at 11 out of our 13 parks that are locked at night. The trial was completed to assess the benefits of opening these sites and understand the possible impacts. 

Feedback on the trial included positive comments from respondents about increased opportunities to exercise, walk, improve access to green space, enhance physical and mental health, and improve commute/walking routes. Additionally, our Parks Patrol Contractor, who monitored the trial sites during evening and night shifts, reported that they did not observe any activities or incidents that required further action or support from the Police or Council during the trial.

We are now looking to consult on opening each site individually.

Learn more about the initial parks unlocking trial and proposal and give us your feedback before Monday 24 February 2025 by filling out our online survey.

If you need to request a paper questionnaire or any other format, contact our Parks team by emailing parks@richmond.gov.uk.