The park was created by the local authority in the 1950s from an unused site and an old private tennis club, and now has terraced sports courts on four levels on one side as well as a landscaped picnic area, outdoor gym and the toilets at the park have also just been refurbished. The work was paid for using council grants, developer contributions towards local community resources and fund raising by residents.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “I’m delighted that this project has been completed and this little hidden gem of a park now offers so much for local people. Hillside Gardens Park is one of Lambeth’s smaller parks, but really punches above its weight in its offer to local people.
“The tennis courts and multi-use games areas look brilliant, and I know local parents will be very pleased that their calls for a new playground have been answered.”
The work was undertaken in partnership between the council, the community and The Friends of Hillside Gardens Park and Palace Road Nature Garden. Hillside Gardens Park is one of Lambeth’s Green Flag Award-winning parks, and holds a ‘Small Park of the Year’ award from London in Bloom.
Much loved resource
The park users include Serious About Tennis who coach 230 people a week from Hillside Gardens as well as three local schools.
Stephanie Charalambous, co-chair of the Friends of Hillside Gardens Park and Palace Road Nature Garden, said: “The friends group is delighted that this phase of works at Hillside Gardens has been completed.
“The park, playground and tennis courts are much needed and loved resources to keep our neighbourhood healthy and active.
“We look forward to continue working closely with the council to maintain our park and deliver the future phases of the Hillside Masterplan.”
