Local people are set to have a greater say in their green spaces after Ealing Council confirmed the creation of the Ealing Parks Foundation last night (13 November).

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.

The plans put active citizenship at the heart of future decision making and aims 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 also have a big say in the preservation, conservation and protection of local parks, particularly through community engagement projects.

Councillor Mik Sabiers, cabinet member for environment and highways said: “The creation of the Ealing Parks Foundation is hugely positive for our wonderful green spaces and the local communities that value them so highly.

“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.

“The council is already developing a range of activities to encourage active citizenship across our parks, from planting and maintaining flowerbeds to regular events to help local people keep fit.

“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.”

The Ealing Parks Foundation is set to appoint a board of trustees early in 2019 and complete registration as a charity in May next year.

The decision was approved at Tuesday’s council cabinet meeting and like all such decisions, is subject to being called in.