Investing in our parks and making them more accessible

The second of three planned Changing Places has now opened in Kensington and Chelsea's parks. Kensington Memorial Park has had over £1 million invested to improve its facilities and this includes new changing rooms, a café, toilets and a Changing Place. This is a specially equipped for people with learning and physical disabilities and their carers.

What is a Changing Place?

The facility makes it easier for people with more profound disabilities to use our parks and access to facilities they may need. Last year the Council opened its first Changing Place in Holland Park and plans to open a third in Westfield Park, Chelsea, next year.

What else is happening in the parks?

In addition to the new facilities at Kensington Memorial Park, a new free outdoor gym has been opened in Holland Park. This has a mix of equipment including a selection of accessible equipment.

What committment does the Council have to local parks?

The works are part of nearly £7 million of ongoing investment in parks over a three-year period which has already seen Chelsea Embankment, St Lukes Gardens, Avondale Park and Ifield Road playground improved.

Welcoming the improvements, Cllr Emma Will, lead member for parks said: "We know how important our parks are to our residents and so we want to ensure everyone has access to them. This is also true for our playgrounds and outdoor gyms and that is why it is great to see the expansion of our Changing Place offer."

What is coming up next?

The Council will soon also be asking residents in Chelsea what they would like to see offered from a new open space being planned on Lots Road. This is part of wider plans for new homes and new extra care beds for older people.

The Council will be investing over £1m in this open space which will be unusual. Unlike conventional parks some of the space will need to be used from time to time by Thames Water to access the Thames Tunnel and therefore we want to work with residents to create a more flexible space.