Young people will be invited to help “co-design” each of the eight projects

Councillors and park users at Bruce Castle Park (credit Haringey Council)

Playgrounds at eight parks in the east of the borough are set to undergo “major improvements” thanks to a £1.5million investment by Haringey Council.

The council says that “much-improved facilities” will be delivered with Bruce Castle Park, Downhills Park and Lordship Recreation Ground receiving investments worth £250,000 each, while Chestnuts Park, Markfield Park, Paignton Park and White Hart Lane Recreation Ground will be getting upgrades of at least £100,000 each. A small investment will be made at Belmont Recreation Ground.

The money is available thanks to Section 106 contributions from local developers.

At an event this week at Bruce Castle Park, council leader Peray Ahmet and cabinet member for culture and leisure hailed the investment.

Cllr Arkell said: “We know just how much Haringey residents value our borough’s parks and it’s fundamentally important for the development of our young children that they have accessible, inclusive and safe playgrounds to exercise, play and socialise in.

“In coming to this decision, we have met with local friends groups and really listened to what they’ve had to say.

“We’re now looking forward to working with children, young people and their families to co-design each of the eight projects and meet the local needs in those parks.

“As part of the co-design process, we will be working with residents to trial an approach to participatory budgets where residents will get the opportunity to agree how the money is allocated within each improvement scheme.

“We will ensure the new play spaces are fully accessible, inclusive and welcoming to all children in line with the commitments we made in the parks and greenspaces strategy.”

All eight projects are scheduled to be completed by spring 2026.

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