Our parks are one of the things that makes our borough truly special. Every town has major parks and hidden gems that allow people to enjoy the outdoors on their doorstep.

The council has improved parks and sports facilities across the borough, so that everyone can enjoy and unwind or get active. The importance of improving our parks was brought home to me when I met a resident called Manisha. She approached me when we were filming in Glade Lane in Southall and told me that since we introduced the new wetlands she had started walking there every day.

While out walking she met others in a walking group, and when she had to go into surgery the ladies in her walking group cooked for her. This small act of kindness sped up her recovery and wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t transformed the space at Glade Lane into somewhere people can meet and walk together.

At Warren Farm, revised plans will see the entire site designated as a nature reserve, while new community sports pitches, changing rooms and a pavilion are being developed on neighbouring land secured through an agreement with Imperial College. This approach protects much loved meadow habitats while restoring access to quality sports facilities for communities in Southall and Hanwell.

Alongside this, the council is delivering one of its biggest upgrades to playgrounds in years. A £2million programme is refurbishing 22 play areas across the borough, with new equipment, natural surfacing and accessibility improvements already completed at sites such as South Acton Recreation Ground, Avenue Road Park and Lammas Park. Over the next year, more playgrounds will benefit from new trails, safer surfaces and modernised equipment to help children stay active.

Sports facilities are also set for major improvements through a renewed 10 year partnership with Everyone Active, which includes a £2.5million investment across leisure centres. Gyms at Acton, Northolt and Dormers Wells will be expanded and modernised, while Brent Valley Golf Course and Fitness Centre will see a full refurbishment.

We have also started work on site at the new Gurnell Leisure Centre. We are currently working hard to clear the ground ahead of the beginning of full construction which is scheduled for this summer. This project will be the jewel in the crown of the borough’s sports facilities with one of only three 50-metre pools in London available for public use.

Much of this progress builds on the energy of local people. Park volunteers, community groups and friends of park organisations continue to play an essential role in planting, maintenance and events helping parks feel safer, more welcoming and better connected to their neighbourhoods.

And, as part of a borough-wide commitment to expand green space, new parks are being created too. Pear Tree Park, opened in 2024 and the size of 30 football pitches, will ultimately form part of the borough’s proposed regional park and includes new wetlands, climate resilient planting and space for families to explore.

The council is continuing to deliver better green spaces. One of the defining features of our borough is the availability of great parks and sports facilities for people to relax and play in. We will continue to improve these spaces that we know mean so much to so many residents, like Manisha.