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Parks and Green Spaces Annual Report 2020/21
Each year we publish an Annual Report celebrating some of the projects that we've delivered in Hackney's Parks and Green Spaces, the volunteering that has taken place and some of the exciting projects coming up in the year ahead. Our Annual Report 2020/21 is now available to read.
Clapton Pond Play Area
Work will start on the refurbishment of Clapton Pond play area on 4 October. The section of the site containing the play area will be closed to the public for the duration of the works, which are expected to take 5 weeks. You can view the designs at https://hackney.gov.uk/clapton-pond.
Further play improvements
Earlier in the year we consulted the local community about proposals to redesign the play areas in Butterfield Green, Clapton Square, Haggerston Park and Stoke Newington Common. We had a great response, with over 100 residents responding to each of the proposals. The designs for the play areas are now being updated in line with the recommendations made in the consultation reports.
The next play areas we are looking to refurbish are Hackney Downs, Stonebridge Gardens, Clapton Common and Well Street Common. We will be reaching out to the local community this autumn to hear what we can do to improve these spaces.
A new mural for Daubeney
The Homerton Green Forum is looking for young artists aged 12-25 to design a mural about local biodiversity next to Daubeney Fields park. The mural is one of seven being painted across the UK for the 2021 Grantham Climate Art Prize. Hackney’s mural will be painted by Hackney Wick muralist and eco-artist Michelle Meola.
Hackney is home to many declining animals like hedgehogs, house sparrows, starlings, bats, and toads. Entrants must include at least one at-risk species in their designs. Designs can be submitted via https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/events/grantham-art-prize-2021/ until 9am Monday 4 October. The winner will receive a £250 cash prize and the design will be projected on billboards across London.
Free Springfield Family Adventure
Welcome to Joe Ahvee who joined us as Springfield Park Development Manager this month. Joe previously worked at the Suntrap Forest Education Centre in Waltham Forest. His post is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and he will be responsible for delivering a number of activities in Springfield Park over the next three years.
The first event that Joe is arranging is a free family adventure between Springfield Park and Walthamstow Wetlands. There will be a variety of activities for you to do on a wildlife trail between the two sites. You can pick up a trail sheet from Joe in the old Bowling Green at Springfield Park on the 25th October between 11am-3pm.
Millfields
We have recently reopened an area of parkland that for many years has been occupied by National Grid in Millfields. The 'new' green space is looking fantastic at the moment. We will soon be speaking to the community about planting additional trees in the area this winter.
Meet the team!
Ever wondered who looks after Hackney's Parks and Green Spaces? In this month's newsletter we start a series of interviews with the team, starting with Hackney's Parks Development Manager Sam Parry. Find out what he does, what he did before moving to Hackney, and his advice for anyone wanting to work in parks.
Abney Park updates
- Contractors have moved into Abney Park and erected temporary fencing.
- Thank you to Quinten Geurs who has acted as Abney Park Manager since June 2018. Quinten will soon return to his main post as Clissold Park Manager. The new Abney Park Manager Emily Jost starts on 18 October.
- New temporary offices are due to be delivered to Abney Park and construction work is due begin later this month.
- Abney Park Trust have exceeded £15,000 on their donation page, which was launched at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Every little donation helps the Trust put on events and care for the park, its monuments and nature. Donate here.
- Lifelong Hackney resident Jatin Shamji will be running the London Marathon for Abney Park Trust on Sunday. Read his story (and sponsor him).
- This month we started workshops with local children to design the brand new stained glass windows that will go into the refurbished chapel in Abney Park, with local artist Piotr Frac.
New Age Games
The New Age Games is a sport and physical activity programme for Hackney residents aged 50 and over. It returned on 13 September 2021 and runs until 19 March 2022. Full timetable.
Thank you
Thank you to volunteers from Uniqlo who helped to collect 15 bags of rubbish from Hackney Marshes this month. Their efforts were hugely appreciated. If you or your company would like to arrange a litter pick in one of our parks, see https://hackney.gov.uk/community-litter-picks.
Toilets
One of our Parks and Green Spaces Strategy commitments is to "refurbish all of our park toilets". We have recently started replacing the roof of the London Fields toilet block, and work to refurbish the toilets in Haggerston Park is due to start in October. Temporary toilets will be provided in Haggerston Park while the work takes place.
New cycle path for Millfields
As mentioned in last month's newsletter, work has now started on a new walking and cycling path in Millfields park. The route is part of a new cycleway which will run from Lea Bridge to Dalston, and will feature protected cycle lanes on Lea Bridge Road and Lea Bridge roundabout, as well as a new tree-lined boulevard for pedestrians and cyclists in Millfields Park. More.
Photos
Clissold geese update, by Ivor
September litter pick in Abney Park
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