The creation of the Ealing Parks Foundation is set to give local people more say in how their parks are run – and an open evening taking place this month is the perfect place to find out about how you can get involved.

The Ealing Parks Foundation Open Evening takes place at 7pm on Thursday 24 January 2019 at the Rickyard, Walpole Park, Ealing, W5 5BS.

Attendees will be able to find out about the plans, which aim to encourage volunteering and the use of the borough’s green spaces for a multitude of activities that will help local communities stay healthy and active.

The Foundation will have a big say in the preservation, conservation and protection of local parks, particularly through community engagement projects and those wishing to get involved will be able to register their interest at the event.

Staff will also be on hand to discuss the proposal to establish a new Ealing friends of parks groups forum, to share good practice and know how between friends of parks groups in the borough.

When up and running, the foundation will operate as a charitable organisation, complete with input from residents, friend’s groups and a board of trustees. It will work collaboratively alongside the council in the future management and maintenance of Ealing’s parks and open spaces.

Councillor Mik Sabiers, cabinet member for environment and highways said: “I encourage anyone who regularly uses and enjoys Ealing’s green spaces to come along and find out about the Parks Foundation and how we are working to put local people front and centre of future decision making.

“The foundation gives local residents, communities, and friend’s groups a real say in how get the best out of their parks and will also be able to secure new opportunities as a charitable organisation.

“Parks can play a vital role in supporting and improving community life and these plans will see opportunities for everything from food growing and gardening, to arts activities and improving habitats for local wildlife.”

Full details of the Ealing Parks Foundation Open Evening can be found here.