Parents in a west London borough are urging local authorities to invest more money in upgrading outdated and uninspiring play areas. Concerned parents have criticized Hammersmith and Fulham council for neglecting play spaces, describing them as “old” and “sad” with extensive “dead space.” One resident even referred to the borough’s playgrounds as “miserable-looking.”
While the council claims to understand the importance of providing safe and secure play areas, parents argue that more needs to be done. Over the past three years, the council has allocated £500,000 for play area upgrades, but some parents believe this is insufficient.
Clementine Wallop, a mother of two who has lived in the borough since 2019, expressed her disappointment with the local play spaces. She stated that she has resorted to taking her children to neighboring Kensington and Chelsea, as well as Ealing, to access better-equipped and more appealing play areas.
According to Wallop, the issues with local playgrounds extend beyond their outdated appearance. Some playgrounds also face security concerns and social problems related to alcohol and drug abuse.
Parents are now calling for a significant increase in funding to revitalize play areas and create more engaging and inclusive spaces for children in the borough. The council must listen to these concerns and prioritize the well-being and happiness of the borough’s young residents.