Merton Lib Dems' 'Parks-Promise'

Our ‘Parks Promise’ is our commitment to ensure green spaces in our community receive the care and investment they deserve. Our plan includes proper maintenance, fair funding for parks across the borough, more support for volunteer groups, and genuine consultation with residents on the future of green spaces.

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. 

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.

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. 

While well-run commercial events can bring valuable income, there must be more community engagement to agree on the appropriate number of big events for a particular space. 

We’re asking for a clear commitment to protect and improve Merton’s green spaces for generations to come.

Merton’s parks and green spaces deserve a clear, proactive vision for the future. To guide this, we have structured our plan 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.