Forum Topic

Hammersmith Park

Can anyone make sense of the plans that are in place for the revamped Hammersmith Park?Rumours are rummbling among the many people who use the park to walk their dogs that it will no longer be dog friendly.  As it's a throughfare dog walkers will be able to walk through with their dog on a lead but that's it!  No area for playing for dogs - all for children up to the age of 13.I understand the requirement for 'no dog' zones as unfortunately there are people who still don't pick up after their dogs, but... to take away this green space from our pets seems wrong.  We are all paying our local tax whether we have children or dogs.

Lucinda George ● 5599d7 Comments

In Ravenscourt Park they have an enclosed area for dogs that I presume are a bit too boisterous for normal off leash walking, varous enclosed areas where no dogs are allowed which means the rest of the park is off leash friendly.  Why cannot Hammersmith Park follow the same rule?

Carol Burge ● 5593d

I have now heard from the council and the new playground will incorporate two grass areas that are currently used by everyone (or 'were used' as, due to works, the area is no longer accessible).  Apparently 'extensive public consultation' was carried out in October.  I'd be very interested to hear if anyone on this site was involved in the consultation.

Lucinda George ● 5593d

I'm not a dog-lover but it does seem sensible that they should have a designated area where they can run around. Keeps them away from toddlers and the rest of us away from un-picked up poo with luck.

Sara Nathan ● 5594d

I am not a dog owner but love them all the same.....and totally agree that parks and open spaces should cater for dogs off leash.  I walk through Hammersmith Park every morning and it is so nice to see dogs enjoying themselves so would happily put my name to a petition.  And if I remember correctly when the plans for the revamp of Shepherds Bush Green were shown in the W12 centre a year or so ago the dog exercise area currently in place was no longer there.

Carol Burge ● 5595d

Hammersmith park removed the dog only area years ago and has been, in theory, dog on lead only for ages. The central fenced area has been no dogs apart from "walk straight down the middle pathway on a lead" for some time too. In my view it has been dog unfriendly for a few years. Pity as it is a great little park. It seems that some dog owners are to blame but not the majority.

Vivienne James ● 5598d

Yes - the council should be making sure that the new design works for everyone in the community.I have written to the council to find out what the plans are. Will update with progress and start a campaign if necessary.

Lucinda George ● 5599d

Many years ago they revamped Cathnor Park and I challenged the local residents association as I said the dog exercise area needed a fence around it.  They argued that the children's area needed to be fenced in but the dog area didn't - then they complained about dogs wandering around the park in an unfenced area!  Now the council are going to put it a large wooden climbing frame for 8-13 years old, which I am totally up for.  However, it is going where the current dog exercise area is.  no on has said where the dogs will go.  This will just make the streets dirtier from irresponsible dog owners.  I think we need a campaign!

Lena Armstrong ● 5599d