Kenilworth Pocket Park

A collaborative effort with Conways and Merton Council, a once underutilised space has been revitalised into a green Pocket Park, providing a welcoming and dynamic place for people to sit and enjoy while connecting with their natural surroundings.

To convert an unloved area into a community-focused green space that encourages social interaction, enhances biodiversity and improves climate resilience.  

The redevelopment project saw an update of the park’s layout and clearing of overgrown shrubs. Further enhancements included new pathways, a climber-draped Pergola, a large rain garden and a Petanque Court.

To help make the park feel safer and more welcoming and accessible, overgrown shrubs were cleared and the tree canopy was raised to improve natural light throughout the park, making it more inviting.

The addition of self-binding aggregate pathways ensures that people can easily navigate the Pocket Park. These relatively hard wearing paths help to provide clear routes for people of all ages and abilities.

The Pergola draped in climbers adds a vertical greening element to the Pocket Park, further enriching the natural atmosphere and providing shade and shelter.

The implementation of a large rain garden with Hydrorock® technology plays an important role in managing rainwater and reducing flood risk, improving the parks climate resilience. Cluster planting and wildflower turf have been strategically included throughout the park, creating rich habitats for species and boosting biodiversity. Not only revitalising the park’s aesthetic appeal, these green additions are contributing to the local ecosystem by supporting pollinators.

The installation of powder-coated benches, natural boulders and log seating encourages more social interaction and outdoor recreation, helping to connect people with nature. The new amenities also provide a space for relaxation and play, improving people’s mood and wellbeing.

To help keep the landscaped areas neat and defined, powder-coated steel edging was added, alongside wayfinding posts and a community noticeboard to further enhance the park’s usability.

The noticeboard can be used for local events and announcements, whilst also promoting inclusion and encouraging active participation in community care of the new space.

A standout feature of the Park to encourage outdoor activity and social interaction is the installation of a petanque court. Petanque, a French game similar to lawn bowling and also known as French Boules is traditionally played on a court of either gravel or hard dirt in which the objective is to throw small metal balls towards a wooden target.

Enhancing the park’s role as a community gathering place, the sport is fun and inclusive for people of all ages and can help bring residents together for some friendly competition.

Beyond the environmental benefits, Kenilworth Pocket Park serves as a vital community resource. Creating green spaces within urban areas not only improves the local environment but also provides important mental and physical health benefits to residents and visitors. The Pocket Park offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, giving people a place to relax and reflect.

Through thoughtful design and collaboration, Meristem Design, Merton Council, and Conways have delivered a park that enhances the quality of life for residents while contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment.