Improving play areas and green spaces across the borough

We’re continuing our work to improve play areas and green spaces across the borough to create more welcoming, accessible and enjoyable places for families to spend time outdoors.

New play equipment now in place

Children can now enjoy new play equipment at Riverhouse Gardens in Walton and Long Ditton recreation ground. These upgraded spaces offer inclusive play opportunities for toddlers and children up to 12 years old. The equipment encourages active play and also provides sensory and educational features for quieter times and to support a range of needs and interests.

Making parks easier to access

We’re also making it easier for everyone to enjoy our parks:

• At Riverside Gardens in Walton, the path connecting the towpath to the park has been resurfaced to improve safety and accessibility for all visitors.
• At Long Ditton Recreation Ground, a new path has been built around the play area to make visits more convenient for families and carers.

Welcoming changes at Thamesmead

Landscaping works are underway at Thamesmead in Walton, where we’re clearing the planting beds along the Thames footpath to open up views of the river and create a more inviting space. Two new picnic benches will be installed to give visitors a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Cllr Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy, said:

We’re committed to making our parks and play areas places where everyone feels welcome. These improvements, from new play equipment to better paths and landscaping, are designed to help children play, learn and grow and to make it easier for families to enjoy time together outdoors. We hope you will enjoy visiting for active play, a quiet moment or a riverside walk.

Looking ahead

We have more exciting projects planned for 2026, including new play areas and the introduction of a green gym. We’ll share further updates as these developments progress.