Knollmead Playground - Completed community parks programme works

Knollmead Playground

Southwood Drive, Tolworth

Five-a-side, playground
dog-free area

Knollmead Playground Final Design

In November 2019, we asked for your views on our draft plans for the revamp of Knollmead playground. Residents had their say at local events and on our consultation portal Kingston: Let’s Talk. Thanks to your great input we have adapted our plans and we are pleased to announce the final design.

You said

The feedback on the plans was positive and included:

Generally happy with the proposal but some residents felt that there were too many features for very young children and that more equipment for older children would encourage families to spend more time at the playground.
Requesting more climbing equipment.

We did

Based on your comments we have revised the plans for Knollmead playground. The changes are:

Climbing apparatus

Our younger residents expressed a preference for more challenging climbing equipment. A large Ixo multiplay structure has been planned in response.

We have removed

Due to concerns that there were too many features for very young children, we have removed the kidsy multiplay unit and junior slide from our plans and replaced them with a large Ixo multiplay structure with climbing, sliding, swinging and imaginative play as well as a double perch - a modern take on a traditional seesaw, where children can sit or stand on either end.

Final Plan

The revamped playground has a number of new exciting features whilst also retaining popular existing equipment. There is now a Toddler Zone, Junior Area, Picnic Area and Natural Retreat space, with the introduction of a cable way and inclusive pathway throughout. The Toddler Zone has been re-surfaced and connected to the new pathway allowing for full accessibility, and features inclusive equipment including a pod swing and roundabout. A Natural Retreat has been created outside of the play area, as a relaxing space for all to meet, with boulders as informal seating. A large totem pole is the focal point in the centre of the retreat. A multi play unit and dynamic springer has been placed in the Junior Area and the cableway stands outside the playground offering a dynamic gliding experience for older children.

Friends of Parks

The community groups that work in our parks make a huge difference to the quality of the spaces. They lead on all sorts of activities that make the park a better place. Some run events, some do a lot of gardening, improvements and planting, some run activities and many are involved in the future planning for the park.

We dont currently have a friends of group for Knollmead Recreation. If you are intersted in forming a group or would like to be involved in community led projects in other parks please visit our Get involved in your local park page.