About this project
The City of London is planning to construct improvements in Thames Park. Over the past two years, we’ve been engaging with Londoners who use the park, with neighbours, and with other key audiences about the future of the park.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged with us in this project.
We are currently completing a detailed design of the park improvements, and construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2026.
New amenities at Thames Park
A preferred design concept was identified based on what we heard during our public engagement, and the City’s approved budget for the project.
The park improvements in the design include:
- Four new pickleball courts
- A nature themed splash pad
- A new nature themed playground area
- New tables and benches, and a leaf-shaped shade structure
- 30+ new trees to be planted
- Some parking lot and walkway upgrades
The existing tennis courts, community gardens, pathways, walkways, and open space will remain.
The detailed design of these improvements is nearly complete, and construction is anticipated to begin this summer.
Advance tree removals ahead of construction
In preparation for this project, residents will see work beginning to remove and trim trees in the park this winter. The tree removals are primarily addressing unhealthy trees and small trees in the area of the new spray pad and playground. The trees will be marked in advance with white paint. Removals and trimming will occur in the winter months ahead of the spring migratory bird window.
Through our public engagement, we heard how important the park’s mature trees are to residents, and the design has ensured that mature trees in the park are being protected.
A few trees will be removed due to their existing poor condition.
After construction, more than 30 new native trees will be planted in the park.
Background information about Thames Park
Thames Park is located at 15 Ridout Street South, and it is used for various forms of recreation activities including tennis, play, gardening, cycling, and walking, to name a few.
The park currently has four lit tennis courts, one playground, one swing set, paved pathways, the Thames Valley Parkway, and lit parking. The tennis courts were recently replaced and upgraded as part of the City of London's work on the Victoria Bridge project nearby.
During a London City Council meeting a motion was voted in favour to permanently close Thames Pool on July 25, 2023. In addition, the motion asked City of London staff to:
- install new amenities like pickleball courts and basketball courts in Thames Park;
- review installing a splash pad in Thames Park or Wortley on the Village Green;
- launch a feasibility study for building an indoor pool in the general area.
