Spring Makeovers for Parks in SW6

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New play areas, park furniture and the long awaited Fulham beach

Parks across SW6 are getting makeovers this spring, with new play areas, furniture, paving and planting. And work is also going on to create Fulham's unique urban beach, which is due to open by the end of 2011.

In South Park, work to create a new children’s play area begins next month, with features including a timber climbing nest and rock walls, a shipwreck for children to climb on, a zip wire, a reflection pool and a sand pit.

This follows the highly popular play area added to nearby Hurlingham Park last year.

Hammersmith & Fulham Council says is been working closely on the plans with the Friends of South Park.  Work is expected to last 12 weeks, and the Friends plan to hold an event on Sunday May 15 to celebrate the park's birthday.

The event will take place from 10am to 1pm and will include the opening of the Heritage Market Garden, a picnic, walking tours of the park and lots for all of the family.

Works will also begin this spring to improve William Parnell Park in Sands End, better known to locals as Pineapple Park. As well as improving park furniture, paving and planting, and installing new play facilities for children of all ages, improvements will be made to perimeter gates and fencing to enable the park to be locked at night, in order to reduce night time disturbance to neighbours from anti-social behaviour.

In Bishop's Park meanwhile work continues to create the promised urban beach which the council says will open by the end of the year. The ornamental lake and bridgeare being restored and facilities including the park's cafe rebuilt and improved.

Work on the adjoining Fulham Palace will see 92 metres of its moat excavated and the Gothic Lodge, vinery and potting sheds restored. As part of the scheme, the stables will be converted into an education facility with new toilets and a shop.

The palace and park improvement plans are costing the H & F Council £8million, with an additional £3.65m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

 

February 15, 2011