Keep up to date with developments in Clissold Park, including park facilities and projects, issues CPUG is following, and updates on the group’s work.

On this page

• Playground renovation consultation
• New River water levels and maintenance
• Clissold House and café accessibility
• Drinking fountain improvements
• CPUG noticeboard restoration
• Community-funded defibrillator
• Splash Pad problems
• Cycling and e-bikes
• Former paddling pool and CPUG statement

Playground consultation expected in late September

12 September 2026

Hackney Council expects to launch a consultation on plans to renovate the Clissold Park playground in late September.

The consultation will set out what the Council learned from its initial engagement with park users and include plans and illustrations for the proposed playground. People will be asked about the balance of play equipment, landscaping, accessibility and challenge, including the number of swings.

The consultation is expected to include an online questionnaire, drop-in sessions at the play area and focus groups.

CPUG’s Children and Young Persons representatives have been following the project and will share further information when the consultation opens.

New River update

12 September 2026

CPUG continues to raise concerns about low water levels in the ornamental water feature in Clissold Park known as the New River.

The historic New River, built in the early 17th century to carry drinking water to London, once flowed through what is now Clissold Park, following the curving course still marked by the surviving water feature. The working New River was diverted away from this section in the 20th century, and the water in the park today is supplied separately rather than forming part of the New River itself.

Hackney Council has received a quote for repairs to the sluice and intends to investigate the boreholes, although there is not yet a date for this work. Taking advantage of the low water level, CPUG volunteers cleared litter and larger objects from the river bed.

Water lilies donated by Paul Brenells have also been planted, arranged by CPUG Biodiversity Representative Richard Crawford.

Clissold House and café accessibility

12 September 2026

CPUG continues to raise accessibility issues relating to Clissold House and the Fink’s café.

Hackney Council is designing a map showing access points into Clissold House and has asked CPUG for input. CPUG has suggested that the map should include a telephone number that disabled visitors can use to request assistance accessing the café.

CPUG is also following up the Council’s decision not to install a handrail on the steps leading to Clissold House.

Drinking fountain improved

12 September 2026

New individual cut-off switches have been installed for the taps at the drinking fountain in Clissold Park. Previously, a problem with one tap could require the whole fountain to be switched off. The new arrangement means individual taps can be isolated while the others remain available.

CPUG had raised problems with the fountain with the park team.

CPUG noticeboard restored

12 September 2026

Repairs to the CPUG noticeboard in Clissold Park have been completed, including a new backboard and locks funded by the group.

CPUG now has access to the noticeboard and will use it to display information for park users.

Community-funded defibrillator installed

18 July 2026

A new public-access defibrillator funded through community fundraising has been installed on the Splash Pad building in Clissold Park.

CPUG organised a quiz and auction in September 2025 to raise money towards the defibrillator, with the meeting minutes at the time reporting that the event raised £1,280. Local businesses, donors and volunteers supported the fundraiser.

CPUG continued working on the project after the fundraiser, including finding a suitable location for the equipment. An earlier proposal to install the defibrillator at the tennis pavilion proved unsuitable, and it was subsequently installed on the Splash Pad building.

Splash pad problems raised with Hackney Council

18 July 2026

CPUG has raised concerns with Hackney Council following delays and technical problems affecting the Clissold Park Splash Pad.

Members have asked for further information about maintenance and testing of the facility, the reliability of its equipment and arrangements for the Splash Pad toilets when the water play facility is not operating. For the latest opening information, check Better before visiting.

Cycling and e-bikes in the park

18 July 2026

CPUG continues to raise concerns about speeding cyclists and e-bikes travelling through Clissold Park. Police and Council activity has included events where riders are stopped and advised about speeding and e-bikes capable of illegal speeds. CPUG has also asked for enforcement activity during weekday morning peak periods.

CPUG continues to seek updates from Hackney Council about proposals relating to crossings and cycling routes around the park.

CPUG statement on the former paddling pool

15 June 2026

CPUG has published a statement setting out its position on the former Clissold Park paddling pool and the future of the site.

The paddling pool, built in the 1930s, had reached the end of its operational life and faced problems including ageing infrastructure, water quality, accessibility, maintenance costs and staffing. CPUG supported Hackney Council’s decision to replace it with the Splash Pad.

The statement also explains why rebuilding or reopening a paddling pool would require more than capital funding. Any replacement would need ongoing funding for staffing, maintenance, cleaning, inspections and repairs.

The future of the former paddling pool site is a separate question. More than 1,100 people took part in a Council consultation in 2021, but no clear consensus emerged about how the space should be used. There are currently no confirmed plans for the site. Hackney Council intends to consult again after the playground improvements and depot works have been completed.

Keep up to date

For more detailed information about issues discussed by CPUG, read the latest meeting minutes and Chair’s reports.

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