Fresh start for Bingfield Park with more trees, new play facilities and fitness area, and better ball courts

The council is committed to creating a greener, healthier borough, providing opportunities for local people to spend time outside in nature, which has a significant impact on peoples mental and physical wellbeing, as well as improved sport and leisure activities so people can enjoy staying active in a variety of ways.   

The improvements to Bingfield Park include a new fitness area with a climbing tree, refurbishment to the ball court and the creation of a second ball court enabling more people to make use of the facilities. There is also a new play area for younger children, based on the castle theme of the nearby Crumbles Castle adventure playground, encouraging fun active play. 

Bingfield Park has also benefitted from 18 new trees of various species, which will enhance biodiversity as well as the seasonal character of the park through colour, texture and scent that will complement the existing mature trees. New plantings will further enhance the space, including a sensory garden of grasses, shrubs and perennials within the playground and park, as well as an area planted with wildflower which will assist with rainwater distribution.  

The improvement works are part of the wider “We are Cally Community Plan”, through which the council, residents, community organisations, and other public agencies developed a collective vision which is reshaping the area around Caledonian Road, to help create a more equal borough. The plan is funded by a £1.25 million investment by the council and by a £350,000 from the Mayor of London through his Good Growth Fund.    

Cllr Ward, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Finance, Planning and Performance, said: “Our green spaces are essential for our mental and physical wellbeing. They also offer huge opportunities to boost air quality and biodiversity, and support the council’s ongoing efforts to tackle the climate emergency.  

“Our planning system ensures that development in Islington is high quality, and that the benefits of that investment are shared by the local community. Green spaces, community centres, play areas, and loads more – we’re using these contributions to upgrade facilities across the borough. I am very pleased that Bingfield Park is now more attractive and welcoming for the people that use it.”  

These changes to the park were made possible by the council’s planning system. When developers build in Islington, the council makes sure that it benefits the local community. This means developers providing genuinely affordable housing, new affordable workspaces, or financial contributions towards community projects. The work to improve Bingfield Park was part-funded by these developer contributions.  

The council is also using developer contributions to fund work on several other green spaces this year including Barnard Park, Morton Road Park, and Fortune Street Park.