Clissold Park is used by millions of people for many different reasons, and those interests do not always coincide. We do not claim to speak for every park user. We aim to bring different views together, understand the issues and find common ground where possible.

Everyone is welcome to attend our public meetings and get involved.

What we do

Our work ranges from representing park users and responding to proposals affecting Clissold Park to organising activities, supporting biodiversity, fundraising and contributing to practical projects.

An important part of our role is providing a continuing voice for park users. We regularly raise concerns and suggestions with Hackney Council, contribute to discussions about proposed changes and follow up issues that may take months or years to resolve. Not everything we ask for results in a change, but raising and pursuing these issues is an important part of what we do.

Over the years, our work has included:

• Representing park users in discussions with Hackney Council about facilities, accessibility, cycling, animals, events and other issues affecting the park
• Contributing to major plans for the park, including many years of involvement in the planning and consultation that led to the restoration of Clissold Park and Clissold House
• Fundraising for improvements — we raise money for projects and activities in the park. In 2025, a CPUG quiz and auction raised funds towards a public-access defibrillator, which was installed at the Splash Pad building in 2026.
• Supporting the park’s natural environment, from contributing to a review of tree care in 2004 to more recent biodiversity surveys, habitat work and wildlife projects
• Supporting the park’s heritage, including helping to restore the Beck and Runtz Memorial Fountain in 2014 and raising funds for the Joseph Beck plaque unveiled in 2018
• Producing information about the park, including a pocket map, park timeline and tree guide, and commissioning artist Anna Hymas to create the illustrated Clissold Park map in 2017
• Organising events and activities, including children’s activities, guided walks, talks, community celebrations, bat walks, clean-ups and cycling activities
• Supporting volunteering, giving people opportunities to contribute to activities and projects in the park
• Researching and sharing Clissold Park’s history through talks, tours, displays, postcards, anniversary activities and other heritage projects

Some of these are projects we have organised or funded ourselves. Others involve working with Hackney Council, local organisations and volunteers. Hackney Council remains responsible for managing and maintaining Clissold Park.

Public meetings

Public meetings are an important part of how CPUG represents park users and are open to everyone. You can attend a meeting, hear updates about the park, contribute to discussions, suggest an item for the agenda or raise an issue that you think CPUG should consider.

Meetings are held throughout the year, with minutes published on this website.

Our aims and objectives

CPUG’s formal aims and objectives set out our role in representing park users, working with Hackney Council and other organisations, supporting recreational, social and environmental activities, and contributing to discussions about the management and future development of Clissold Park.

They also emphasise recognising the diverse needs of people who use the park, keeping the local community informed about proposed changes and raising concerns about the park and its facilities with park management.

Committee & representatives

CPUG is run by volunteers. The committee includes elected officers as well as representatives who focus on particular aspects of the park and its use.

Officers

Honorary President: Ken Worpole

Ken is a former long-standing Chair of CPUG. The position of Honorary President was created when he stepped down as Chair in 2011 in recognition of his contribution to the User Group and Clissold Park.

Chair: Alexandra Hamit
Co-Vice Chair: Theresa Boden
Co-Vice Chair and Treasurer: John Hudson
Secretaries: Chloe Rollscane and Ellie Haliday

Representatives

CPUG also has representatives covering particular interests and aspects of the park.

• Park History and CPUG website: Amir Dotan
• Biodiversity: Richard Crawford
• Fundraising: Dikla Cohen
• Children and Young Persons: Emily Robson and Eleanor Phee
• Over 60s: Paul Brennels
• Dogs: Daphne Steele
• Café: Chloe Rollscane
• Skatepark: Ed Hall
• Runners: Lucy Carter
• Park Animals: Sally Hall
• Waste Management: Sarah Kissack
• Tennis: David George
• Disabilities and Accessibility: Ruth Watson

Representatives help bring the views, concerns and ideas of park users into the group’s discussions and work with other volunteers, Hackney Council and relevant organisations where appropriate.

If you are interested in becoming a CPUG representative for a particular group of park users or area of interest, or would like to contribute to one of these areas, find out how to get involved.

How CPUG works

CPUG is independent of Hackney Council. The Council owns and manages Clissold Park, while CPUG provides a way for park users to discuss issues, contribute ideas and raise matters collectively.

Public meetings are held throughout the year and are open to anyone who wants to attend. They provide an opportunity to hear updates, raise issues and contribute to discussions about the park.

The committee and representatives carry out work between meetings, follow up issues and liaise with Hackney Council and other organisations.

CPUG does not manage or maintain the park. Problems requiring maintenance or direct action by park staff or another Council service should be reported to Hackney Council.

You can still ask CPUG to discuss or raise an issue where it affects park users more widely.

CPUG’s activities are funded through fundraising, donations, sales of maps and other merchandise, and occasional grants. The group is run by volunteers.

The way CPUG is organised and governed is set out in its constitution.