Introduction 

We’re delivering a five-year programme to upgrade playgrounds and paddling pools across Merton, funded by a £1.75 million grant under the 'Priority Playground Upgrade Scheme 2023–27'. This investment is part of our wider Parks Capital Improvements Programme (2023–26), which aims to revitalise playgrounds most in need across the borough, ensuring safe, fun, and educational spaces for our younger residents. 

The upgrades and installations will be carried out by Active Landscapes, known for crafting engaging, interactive, educational, and themed playgrounds.

Priority areas and upcoming upgrades 

As part of the Priority Playground Upgrade Scheme 2023–27, several playgrounds and paddling pools have been identified for immediate and future improvements. These upgrades are based on ROSPA Playground Inspections, which highlighted key areas in need of attention.

In addition, further upgrades are being made to several playgrounds and paddling pools based on community feedback in collaboration with Friends of Parks groups. The consulted upgrades are playgrounds and paddling pools that were selected for upgrades based on detailed consultation with the local community and assessments from playground inspections.

Upcoming upgrades (2025–27) 

Further details of the programme will be released soon, and we’ll be inviting residents to take part in further community engagement events to help shape future designs. 

Consulted upgrades (2025-27)

  • Sherwood Park Recreation Ground Playground
  • Lewis Road Recreation Ground Playground 

ROSPA upgrades (2025-27)

  • King George’s playing field’s playground surfacing (March 2025)
  • Stanford Road Recreation ground playground new units and safety surfacing (April - May 2025) 

Completed upgrades (2023-25)

ROSPA priority upgrades

  • Cottenham Park Playground
  • Ravensbury Park Playground surfacing 

Consulted upgrades

  • Rowan Road Recreation Ground Playground and Paddling Pool
  • Miles Road Recreation Ground Playground
  • Haydons Road Recreation Ground Playground
  • Joseph Hood Recreation Ground Paddling Pool 

Community feedback and design outcomes 

We couldn’t have achieved these improvements without the invaluable input from our residents and Friends of Parks groups. A huge thank you to everyone who attended our community feedback events and shared their views. 

Resident feedback played a key role in shaping the final designs for the playgrounds at Rowan Road Recreation Ground and Miles Road Recreation Ground, helping us deliver improvements that reflect what local families really wanted. Lewis Road Recreation Ground also received feedback from our community feedback events. 

Rowan Road Recreation Ground 

  • The popular paddling pool was retained and fully revamped with a beach and sea theme, along with enhanced safety features.
  • Additional shade and tree planting were included in response to comfort and climate considerations.
  • New benches and picnic seating replaced older timber furniture, making the space more welcoming for family visits.
  • While trampolines and zip wires were not suitable for the space, a rope swing was added to offer a similar sense of adventure.
  • The top five requested play features - including tall structures, hiding places, climbing walls, trees, and shade - were integrated into the final design. 

Miles Road Recreation Ground 

  • The upgraded playground now includes extra cradle swings and a tall slide, following direct community suggestions.
  • More seating and litter bins were installed to improve comfort and overall cleanliness.
  • A raised safety surface was introduced to reduce flooding issues and ensure the playground is accessible year-round.
  • Residents’ favourite elements — such as hiding places, tunnels, wood, sand/water features, and a 3D frog with a tunnel — were all incorporated using a mix of multi-play units and timber structures. 

Lewis Road Recreation Ground 

Following our community engagement event, we’ll be implementing the following improvements as part of the upcoming upgrade: 

  • The grass area will be subdivided to create a children’s nature space and a separate open space for activities, with a new gate installed from the main pathway.
  • Additional rubbish and recycling bins, along with a dog bin and clear signage, will be added.
  • Old benches will be replaced, and extra seating introduced for greater comfort.
  • An inclusive swing seat will be installed, along with a zipwire, launch platform, cradle swings, and a three-bay swing offering a range of seating options.
  • Design plans include materials that help prevent slippery surfaces under tree canopies.
  • The top five favourite play features — including tall places, primary colours, and use of existing trees to support seating and social areas — have been incorporated into the design.
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