Have an idea to make London's parks better? The city wants to know

The City of London is collecting feedback on its hundreds of parks with the goal of bringing new ideas directly from Londoners to council next year.

It's been six years since the city last updated its parks and recreation master plan, but city staff say that with London's growing population, it's time to consider some changes.

"We want to hear from Londoners about how they're using the spaces, what amenities they enjoy the most and what things they like to see in these parks," said Jennie Dann, who is the city's acting director of parks and forestry.

"This is really important feedback for us because it's going to help inform our work and the future of London parks."

Londoners can share their feedback through an online survey or in person with city staff who will be setting up pop-up survey stations at parks and events over the next month.

Many survey questions focus on park amenities, including how Londoners feel about playgrounds, picnic areas, dog parks, bathrooms and access to the river.

Gathering community feedback is the first step in updating the master plan, Dann said, adding that it will be presented to the council in early 2026. She said the city is open to hearing all Londoners' feedback and ideas – no matter how big or small.

"We're going to take that and we're going to try to establish standards and guidelines for how we're going to establish these parks going forward. We have the technical information to be able to understand what's feasible," Dann said.

London is home to nearly 500 parks, green spaces, sports fields, trails and other natural areas, Dann added.

Londoners visiting city parks this week said a park's proximity to home, the type of playground and a feeling of safety are all important factors when deciding to go out.

Tony Crowe, his wife and his grandson have been checking out different parks throughout the city every weekday morning this summer. They were at Thames Park on Tuesday, which is a family favourite.

"Our almost 4-year-old grandson likes this park in particular. [The playground] is challenging enough for him … This one seems good, it's very safe, very secure, has lots of places to run, lots of places to climb," Crowe said. "He always asks for it."

As an adult, Crowe said he analyzes parks beyond the playground, seeking out amenities like bathrooms and seating – and ensuring they are clean.

"When we get here at 8:30 in the morning, there's usually a City of London crew here cleaning up and inspecting it," he said. "I always do a walk around looking for broken glass, needles and stuff like that, but I never see anything, so they keep it pretty clean."

Bathrooms are also an important factor for mother Julie Vanderlaak, who said she would like to see them at more parks.

"I don't know if it would be porta-potties or more bathroom structures, but it would be nice to see more washrooms close by," Vanderlaak said. "Having three kids, sometimes they just randomly have to go to the washroom."

"Sometimes it's me. I bring a coffee and unfortunately I say, 'OK guys, I have to go home, I have to use the bathroom,'" she said.

Vanderlaak, whose one son has severe peanut allergies, said she would like to see playgrounds become more allergy-friendly.

"I get a little nervous sometimes thinking about what foods are being eaten at the park or on the playground," she said.

"Maybe [they could] post something to make people more aware and consider possibly eating on a bench as opposed to on the playground where children are going to play," Vanderlaak said, adding that while she doesn't expect the city to enforce peanut-free rules, she hopes the signs could make a difference.

Making parks more accessible is also on mother Kristin Steele's mind.

"If there's kids in wheelchairs, there's no way for them to get down here," Steele said at the Kiwanis Park playground on Tuesday.

"There's a park over by our house … and it has turf so wheelchairs can go on it and it has ramps," she said, adding that more inclusive parks can be fun for everyone.

Other parkgoers told CBC News they would like to see increased water play like pools and spraypads, better grass maintenance, and more garbage cans at parks across the city.

The park feedback survey is available on the City of London website until Sept. 30.