Newly refurbished Barnard Park offers greener, healthier space

Over recent years, the park has undergone a large-scale transformation, which includes new pathways and benches, more biodiverse planting, new trees, a new entrance to Sheen Grove, and a 3G football and rugby pitch. 

The new community building is a modern space that will be used by different community groups and will be used by Bright Start for their sessions with young children and families. 

More than 1,000 people joined in a community celebration to mark the completion of the improvements on Saturday, 11 October.  

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Transport said: “As part of our efforts to create a greener, healthier borough, we’re working to maximise the potential of our parks and green spaces – which are so important in providing spaces for residents to boost their mental and physical health.  

“At Barnard Park, we’ve made a range of improvements to make the park greener and more accessible, while the new hub building will be a huge asset to the local community. 

“Now Barnard Park is fit to serve the local community, providing opportunities for play, exercise, sport, socialising and rest, as well as a better environment for nature to thrive. I’d like to extend my thanks to all the local people who have helped make this a reality, and I’m looking forward to seeing the spaces in use over the coming months.” 

The community celebration saw dogs dressed as Paddington, enormous bubbles floating through the park, and kids holding snakes and cockroaches. 

Alongside Cllr Champion, attendees included the Mayor of Islington, Cllr Jason Jackson,  Leader of the Council, Cllr Una O’Halloran, Emily Thornberry MP, Cally and Barnsbury ward councillors, and Arsenal’s mascot Gunnersaurus.