Local people are being given a chance have a say on the future of their parks and green spaces thanks to the Ealing Parks Foundation (EPF).
The organisation, formed in 2019, is looking for new volunteer trustees to help give the local community a say in how parks are run and maintained. Anyone living or working in Ealing can get involved.
The EPF is a registered charity and the first organisation of its kind in London. It is currently recruiting up to four new trustees, plus a youth trustee or ambassador, to add to the existing team of six and help with its growth and expansion.
Trustees have a big say in the preservation, conservation and protection of local parks, particularly through community engagement projects. They will also assist volunteer organisations in supporting communities to stay healthy and active.
Sonja Garsvo, Chair of Ealing Parks Foundation explains more: “We are an organisation working with residents to enhance Ealing’s 140 plus parks and green spaces and we do that through promoting biodiversity, volunteering and park-based activities for all ages and abilities.
“We are welcoming everyone to apply across every background. Of course, anyone who has current connections with communities in parks and green spaces across Acton, Greenford, Hanwell, Northolt, Perivale and Southall would be most welcome, but the most important thing we consider is a passion for our parks.”
Despite the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic the EPF has already been hard at working securing improvements to local green spaces, supported by Ealing Council.
Sonja continues: “In addition to launching a borough wide survey for people to contribute their ideas on what is needed in Ealing’s Parks and green spaces we collaborated with the local group Artification to create a photographic exhibition at North Ealing Playing Fields and are in the process of securing a new drinking fountain for people and dogs in Southall Park. We have got so much more planned and are working with Friends groups of various parks to help bring more new ideas to fruition.
“Establishing ourselves has been difficult as it has been done during the pandemic, but we are very ambitious for the future and are looking forward to welcoming new thinking and insight into the team.”
Anyone interested in becoming a trustee can visit the Ealing Parks Foundation website for details on how to apply. Applications close on 11 April 2022.
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