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 during the on-going health crisis
Covid-19 and the park
The park has remained open throughout the Covid-19 lock down, and our thanks go to the park staff who have worked to keep this valuable space available for us to use in difficult circumstances. The situation and advice is changing constantly, but the park is gradually opening up again.
The toilets are now open again, with additional cleaning being done throughout the day. Please use the toilets. The use of the bushes as a public convenience has been particularly trying for many park users.
The skate park is also open again. It is still important that those using the skate bowls maintain social distancing, but it is good that this facility is back in use.
Litter has been a problem recently, so additional ’skip’ bins have been put in the most affected areas. Please use the bins, even if it means a short extra walk, and if you can’t get your rubbish in a bin please take it home with you.
Distancing rules are still in place, so please continue to follow them and stay safe for the benefit of the whole community
Email info@hackneyparks.gov.uk for further information or visit the Hackney website www.hackney.gov.uk
New paddling pool
Hackney Council has announced it will be replacing the paddling pool in the park. The pool will be closed for 2020 while consultation and work takes place.
» More on the Hackney Council website
Help us record the park’s wildlife
Seen any unusual sightings of birds, mammals or other wildlife in the park? Please send your records to richard.elaine18@gmail.com
They will be added to the national database and will also help us build up a picture of biodiversity in the park which will be useful when making the case for managing some parts for wildlife.
New cafe operator
On Saturday November 2nd a new operator took over the Clissold House cafe. Most staff have stayed on but there are bound to be some teething problems in the first few weeks and there will be some changes happening to the layout and furniture over the next couple of months. Please be patient while things bed in. We will post updates here and on our Facebook page as they come along.Saturday food market trial proposal
Future Saturday market in the park
Good Market Company is running a three month trial from June 2020. The man behind it, Max Kennedy, came to speak at our user group meeting – last November. See the minutes in News. If you have questions about the proposal please add your comments to our Facebook page, or email Max on hi@thegoodmarketcompany.com
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)