Riverside Park reopens today, Saturday 3 October 2026, after a £2.4 million restoration. The park now has a new playground, a wetland boardwalk and 140 new trees, and everyone is invited to a free reopening picnic on the main lawn from 11:00 to 16:00.
The park has been closed since January while the work took place. Many of the changes come from what you told us: more than 1,100 people took part in our consultation on the restoration plans in the spring.
What’s new
- A new playground for children of all ages and abilities, with an inclusive roundabout, a basket swing and a climbing area for 8 to 14-year-olds. It’s fenced and dog-free.
- A wetland boardwalk that takes you 350 metres through restored reedbeds by the River Wren. It’s step-free, with passing places and resting points along the way.
- 140 new trees, mostly native species such as alder, oak, willow and wild cherry. All the park’s mature trees have been kept.
- 30 new benches and a drinking water fountain next to the playground.
- A resurfaced riverside path, now wider and better lit.
Riverside Park is one of Larkhaven’s best-loved places, and I’m delighted to see it open again. Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas, and to our neighbours for their patience while the work was done. I hope you’ll come and enjoy it.
Mayor Helena Marsh
Hannah Brook, Head of Parks and Green Spaces, said: “The boardwalk gets people closer to the river than ever before. Reed warblers and herons are already making themselves at home, and the new trees will give shade and food for wildlife for decades to come.”
Reopening picnic
Bring a picnic and join us on the main lawn from 11:00 to 16:00 today for live music, guided walks on the boardwalk at 12:00 and 14:00, and storytelling in the new playground. Find out more about the picnic.
Visiting the park
The park is open every day. Please keep dogs on leads on the boardwalk and out of the playground. For more about Larkhaven’s 64 parks, see parks and leisure.
