Hackney Council's Parks and Green Spaces Strategy is making good progress halfway through its ten-year cycle, but some residents have raised concerns about recent changes at West Reservoir.
During a Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission meeting on Thursday, 10 September 2026, councillors reviewed the strategy's implementation. The strategy, which aims to enhance environmental sustainability, community engagement, and the creation of welcoming spaces, has seen achievements including a significant reduction in glyphosate use and increased investment in battery-powered equipment. Efforts are also underway to decarbonise park buildings through air source heat pumps and solar arrays, and to increase biodiversity through initiatives like wildflower meadow creation and the rewilding of the River Lea. All deadwood is retained on site as valuable habitat, and new sustainable drainage solutions are being implemented in parks and green spaces. A programme of park depot refurbishments is also in progress to improve working conditions for frontline staff and decarbonise park assets.
Officers reported that all public toilets in parks and green spaces have been refurbished, and new facilities, including Changing Places toilets, have been introduced. Improvements to play areas and sports facilities have also been made across the borough. The strategy emphasizes working with communities, with examples including the Housing Service's engagement with estates on play and sports area improvements, and the Parks and Green Spaces Service's extensive consultation on play area refurbishments. A dedicated Volunteering Officer is to be appointed to oversee a comprehensive volunteering programme, aiming for greater representation from diverse communities. Community litter-picking continues to give residents and park user groups a direct role in caring for Hackney's green spaces.
A specific point of contention was the recent improvements at West Reservoir. Some residents expressed that changes, particularly the fencing of the beach area, were not adequately communicated during the public consultation. Councillor Jasmine O'Connor noted that residents were very excited
about the improvements but raised concerns about the high fencing that's restricting the beach area solely to paying swimmers and blocking the free access to water views for non-swimmers. And it's also segregating the cafe, preventing non-swimmers from sitting with friends, observing water sports, et cetera, as they previously could.
Officers clarified that the scheme was built according to planning permission, but Councillor O'Connor further elaborated that residents felt they've not been listened to, that a valuable space has been taken away.
For safety reasons, access to the activity area at West Reservoir is being restricted due to significantly increased footfall. Officers are trying to come up with a way of obstructing the view slightly, whilst giving members of the public access to the water as well.
They are also sitting down or speaking to Woodco last week on site, I think we can come up with a better solution subject to planning approval that would increase the number of seats with water side views from the public area of the cafe.
Additionally, GLL have confirmed that if somebody is accompanying someone taking part in an activity at West Reservoir, such as swimming or sailing, they can go into the space with them.
New public access to the East Bank of the reservoir has been created, offering residents access to an area they have never had access to before. The opening of the East Bank and the new bridge on the Northern Bank was delayed due to landscaping not establishing, which prevented residents from accessing this new area.
More information on the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy can be found in the Public reports pack.