Clissold Park User Group (CPUG)
The Clissold Park User Group (CPUG) is a local community group for the people of Stoke Newington in Hackney who appreciate and love their local park.
The group has been campaigning locally for over 20 years and seeks to represent the interests of everyone who uses this very popular park: the walkers, joggers, cyclists, nature lovers, families and free spirits who value the opportunity to enjoy time outdoors in this beautiful and historic space.
» Read more about CPUG
» For general enquiries email info@clissoldpark.com
Park history: Clissold Park for the people
Clissold Park would have been built on in the 1880’s if it wasn’t for a passionate local campaign to preserve it for the public led by Joseph Beck. Read the story and see a slideshow of the turbulent campaign:
» Clissold Park for the people
View the history of our park in words and pictures:
» Park history
Latest news…
» Read our latest News for what is happening in the park.
Covid-19 and the park
Most COVID-19 restrictions have now been lifted in the park. The house is still not open to the public other than the cafe areas. We are awaiting news about when this will change.
The toilets are open almost as usual, but will be closed on occasions for additional cleaning.
We would still encourage people to do whatever they can to limit the spread of COVID-19 by following current government advice taking sensible precautions to protect ourselves and other park users.
Food festivals
There will be two events in the park under the banner Clissold Park FreeWheelinFEASTival, running on the weekends of 15th – 17th and 22nd – 24th October. There will be stalls selling a variety of foods such as bread, cold meats, cheese, olives as well as hot food and snacks on the hard standing to the north of the house.
Fireworks
The council has announced that they will again not be doing a fireworks display in Clissold Park this year, due to the length of time needed to organise such an event and the uncertainty about COVID restrictions which may be in place at the time. The displays are always popular and well attended and will be missed by many people. We will update this page if we have any news about whether the displays will return next year.
Replacement of paddling pool
The council’s consultation about the replacement for the paddling pool is now complete. 1,155 people took part. They were asked about the proposed new splash pad and what to do with the existing paddling pool area.
Following the feedback, the designs are being revised and a contractor will be appointed in the autumn. Work should start in early spring 2022 and should be completed in summer 2022.
Safety in the park
There have been reports of students and young people being mugged and harassed in and around the park. Advice from the local Safer Neighbourhood panel:
“If children feel in any way worried, they should return to a place of safety such as the school or leisure centre. Always where possible ‘buddy-up’ with someone to walk back from school or clubs and keep your phone out of sight. Do not carry money with you and make sure bank details are not held on a phone. Tell an adult in a shop or place of safety such as the school what has happened and ask them to call the police.”
Poster and Pocket maps on sale
Pocket map: Our new beautiful pocket map and timeline of the park is now on sale in the café for £2.50.
It identifies all the landmarks and includes the history of the park and Clissold House, a tree trail and help in identifying the wild water birds on the ponds and New River. It has been created by the CPUG working with local artist Anna Hymas and local historian Amir Dotan with support from Hackney Council. Proceeds will go to the CPUG to help pay for amenities and free events in the park.
Poster: By popular demand we have created an A2 poster version of the map (42 x 59.4cm). Available in the café for £5 (£6 in a cardboard roll). Can also be posted to anywhere in the UK for £10 including packaging and first class postage. Please email us on info@clissoldpark.com to arrange your order.
» View the poster (PDF)