Merton Liberal Democrats Response to The Future of Parks and Green Spaces in Merton
Our publicly accessible green spaces (>1,000 hectares) cover 28% of the Borough’s area, making Merton one of London’s greenest boroughs. Protecting and improving Merton’s parks and green spaces is central to making Merton a great place to grow up, healthier and fit for the future.
They are among our greatest assets – supporting mental and physical health, recreation, biodiversity, property value, carbon storage, and climate resilience through temperature regulation. The average Merton resident lives less than a five-minute walk from a park or green space, however the Liberal Democrats recognise that:
The quality of these spaces varies widely across the borough; and
For many, their upkeep relies on the dedication of volunteers and Friends groups, rather than proactive leadership, vision, and investment from the Council and its contractors.
We have aimed to respond to the questions raised by this consultation, but we have also included substantive comments at the end in response to the question on ‘any other comments’.
Which Merton parks are you commenting on?
Our comments apply broadly to all parks and green spaces across the Borough, unless a specific park is named, or a point is clearly linked to a particular location.
What are the most important features in your local park or open space?
Each of Merton’s parks and open spaces has its own distinct value. Recreation grounds like Haydons Road, Dundonald, and Colliers Wood offer vital space for sport and exercise, while formal gardens such as South Park and Cannizaro Park are known for their heritage and community events. Wilder areas like Cannon Hill Common, Moreton Green, and Mitcham Common provide space for nature, biodiversity, and quiet reflection.
What, if anything, could we do to make you want to visit parks and green spaces more often?
Upgrade playgrounds, including equipment suitable for older children, to make parks more appealing for families.
Improve public facilities, such as increasing access to toilets, drinking water fountains, and seating areas.
Open paddling pools and splash pads earlier in the year to make the most of the warm spring weather and school holidays.
Restore and enhance natural habitats, with a stronger emphasis on biodiversity, and more responsive restoration work following major commercial events.
Keep parks consistently clean and well-maintained, including prompt litter removal and graffiti clearance.
How satisfied are you with how Merton's parks are currently maintained?
Overall, park maintenance in Merton relies too heavily on the dedication of volunteers and Friends groups without consistent leadership and delivery from the Council. Contractor-led work can be slow and insufficient (for example, delays in playground maintenance at Dundonald Recreation Ground). A more proactive approach would ensure quality and consistency across all parks.
Do you have any other comments about how Merton’s parks are currently maintained?
Engagement with contractors is limited. Residents and Friends groups often report difficulty getting timely responses or clear communication when maintenance issues arise.
Glyphosate use continues in parks and open spaces. Despite concerns about its environmental impact, glyphosate-based weedkillers are still being sprayed in areas where safer alternatives should be prioritised.
What should be the top priority for the future of Merton’s parks and green spaces, and what types of events would you like to see held in them?
Biodiversity
Protecting and restoring nature must be a top priority. That means actively caring for habitats such as Pyre Brook, ponds, meadows, and ant hills; protecting veteran trees; and minimising the use of glyphosate-based herbicides in parks and open spaces. These steps are essential for supporting wildlife and maintaining the natural character of our green spaces.
Community Engagement
Friends groups and local volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing many of Merton’s parks, but they are under-supported. The Council should provide better infrastructure for these groups, including access to water, clean and visible noticeboards, and faster response times from contractors when issues like graffiti, vandalism, or fly-tipping are reported. Their time and expertise should be valued as an integral part of Merton’s parks strategy.
Investment in Play and Sport
The condition of play equipment is one of the most frequent concerns raised by residents. Merton should prioritise repairs and upgrades to playgrounds, including adding more equipment suitable for older children. In addition, the Council should explore how funding from initiatives such as “Borough of Sport” could be used to improve and expand sports facilities – for example, by investing in sports facilities in Prince George’s Playing Fields in Raynes Park.
Commercial Events
Well-organised and diverse events are a highlight for many residents and can help generate important income for the Council. However, the balance must be carefully managed. We believe Merton should adopt a ‘Parks Promise’ with residents and Friends groups, the goodwill of whom it relies so heavily on. There must be genuine engagement on the number, type and length of especially large events in particular parks. There must also be a clear framework for remediation where events cause damage, and a willingness to learn from past experiences.
Any other comments?
Merton’s parks and green spaces deserve a clear, proactive vision for the future. To guide this, we have structured our general response around five key priorities – using the acronym PARKS:
P – Playgrounds and public facilities
Many of Merton’s playgrounds are worn out and in need of urgent repair. The Council should adopt a clear, borough-wide plan to inspect, maintain, and upgrade playgrounds fairly and transparently. We also support more adventurous equipment for older children. Additionally, well-maintained drinking water fountains should be provided to ensure parks remain welcoming and comfortable for all visitors.
A – Access for all
Restricted or poorly designed gate access creates unnecessary barriers, forcing some residents (like those near Durnsford Road Recreation Ground and the new Earlsfield Station development) to take long detours despite living directly opposite parks. The Council should review park boundaries to increase permeability and improve accessibility.
Clean, accessible public toilets are a common concern, especially for families, older residents, and those with disabilities. The Council must commit to increasing toilet facilities in larger parks and maintaining existing ones to be safe, clean, and reliably open when needed.
R – Restoring nature and improving biodiversity
Biodiversity is being neglected, especially in large parks like Morden Park and Cannon Hill Common. Wildflower meadows have been damaged by grass-cutting and heavy vehicle tracks. Ponds and brooks are often overgrown or littered, while newly planted trees die due to lack of care. There is a desperate need for watering supplies to be improved in some parks, including Nelson Gardens. A dedicated biodiversity officer is needed to coordinate restoration and support volunteers.
Well-run commercial events bring funding but must be balanced with a ‘Parks Promise’ to residents and volunteers, ensuring real consultation, limits on large events, and park restoration where damage occurs.
K – Keeping parks clean and tidy
Graffiti and litter make parks feel neglected and unsafe. Prompt, consistent action to clear graffiti and litter shows respect for residents, deters vandalism, and makes parks more welcoming for all. We support exploring all options in reviewing the parks management contract, including the possibility of bringing the service back in-house to improve standards.
S – Spaces for the future
Merton’s parks need ongoing investment beyond day-to-day upkeep. The Council should prioritise securing funding to improve infrastructure such as new, safe walking and cycling paths, better lighting, and signage. We support initiatives that encourage community-led stewardship, including expanded support for Friends groups and volunteering programmes. Innovative projects like outdoor fitness zones, sensory gardens, and environmental education would increase park usage and community wellbeing.
This comprehensive approach will ensure Merton’s parks remain vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.