Propose a New Park!


Residents invited to make suggestions as park plans revealed

Do you know an open space, school playground or even run down existing park, which could be developed into a state of the art play area?

Hammersmith and Fulham Council is inviting suggestions from residents as it enters the second year of its ParkLife project.

If you know a site which could become a community asset, email its address and details to parks@lbhf.gov.uk by February 28.

The request comes as the council unveils plans for the transformation of eight of our best loved parks - Ravenscourt, Marcus Garvey, Hurlingham, Cathnor and Hammersmith Parks, Brook Green, Margravine Gardens and Old Oak Common, as well as Arthur Henderson House and Pelham House in the Lytton Estate.

During the past few months, children, friends' groups and parks visitors have been consulted by the council about the new play features they would like to see in their favourite parks and open spaces.

The result is plans to enhance the parks by adding a wide range of adventurous features including climbing and balancing structures, swings, trampolines and slides.

Ravenscourt Park plans, for instance include play equipment tailored specifically for disabled children, such as a climbing forest with a low net, a wide slide and a cradle-nest swing.

Over £1million has been earmarked by the council to spend on natural and adventurous play equipment over the next two years, embracing natural features such as grassy mounds, sand and climbing boulders to give children more natural opportunities to play freely and creatively.

Cllr Paul Bristow, cabinet member for residents’ services, says: "We have been talking to people for several months, trying to find out exactly what they want from their parks. I am sure that they will be impressed when all the work is complete.

" Fun and exciting opportunities to play are at the heart of a happy, healthy and enjoyable childhood so the council is delighted to unveil these design plans."

Work will begin in March and all of the play areas are expected to be ready in time for the summer.

February 3, 2010