Celebrating our parks and green spaces this Love Parks Week
Parks and green spaces across the Borough play an important role in supporting wellbeing and physical health, building community and protecting nature. This Love Parks Week, we’re highlighting the ways we're investing in our parks and green spaces, ways you can get involved in helping to keep our spaces clean and thriving, and how you can enjoy what’s on your doorstep.
The national campaign, which takes place from Friday 24 July to Friday 31 July, is organised by Keep Britain Tidy, designed to celebrate our parks and green spaces, the people who care for them and the benefits they bring to people, communities and our planet.
Investing in our parks
A number of initiatives and projects have been implemented at parks across our Borough to ensure these spaces continue to be accessible and enjoyed by all.
The well-loved Fleming Park paddling pool has just finished its extensive upgrade. Complimenting the updated playground and tree planting, a series of new public art shades and picnic benches and tables have enhanced the spot for years to come.
Continuing our investment in children’s play spaces, a new accessible play area has been created at Itchen Valley Country Park, designed for inclusive play and enjoyment for all. The play area features boardwalks for wheelchair access, sensory panels, a sun shelter area, balance beams, a slide, and simple puzzles with bench seating.
Help to keep our parks and green spaces clean and thriving
Whilst you’re out and about enjoying our parks and green spaces, remember to put your rubbish in the bins provided, or take the rubbish home with you. Waste, recycling and dog poo bins are available throughout the Borough – help us to keep these spaces safe and clean for all to use and enjoy.
Our smoking cessation campaign has launched Smokefree Parks this summer with primary-aged school pupils asking people to not smoke in local parks. Funded and supported by Smokefree Hampshire and funded by Hampshire County Council, a poster competition challenged young health advocates to create posters, and the winning pupils have had their designs put up as signs at local play areas supported by local Parish and Town Councils.
Volunteer groups across the Borough assist us with supporting residents to get out and enjoy nature as well as getting hands-on with improving areas for visitors and habitats for flora and fauna.
How you can enjoy our parks and green spaces
Parks and green spaces are well used in the Borough with a range of regular and summer activities ready for you to enjoy this week and beyond:
Eastleigh Active
Bookings are now open for Eastleigh Active, our summer holiday activity programme delivered by the SportWorks Team. Designed to encourage physical activity for residents of all ages, the programme makes the most of the Borough's outdoor spaces through activities including tennis sessions on the Borough's park courts and Family Cycle sessions, helping people build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy being active together throughout the summer.
Nature Guardian Summer
Little Adventurers are invited to Itchen Valley this Summer. Choose from a range of flexible kids' nature-based activities this summer holidays! They include trail quests, crafts and minibeast hunts.
Eastleigh Walking and Wheeling Festival 17 August – 13 September
The Festival is back for a second year, partnering with the Walk, Wheel and Cycle Trust and funded by Hampshire County Council. We have over 40 routes which take place across urban and green spaces with themes including art, nature, photography and live guided performances! They are of varying accessibility, length and difficulty with something for all ages.
Physical activities
Our parks and green spaces are home to a range of programmes that help residents become more active, connect with others, and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors.
Walk & Talk sessions take place across the Borough's country parks and green spaces, giving residents the opportunity to explore scenic landscapes, discover heritage trails, connect with nature, meet new people, and improve their wellbeing through regular guided walks.
WalkTogether is a volunteer-led walking programme that takes place throughout the year across the Borough's local parks and green spaces, providing friendly, inclusive walks that support physical activity, wellbeing, and social connection. Weekly Monday WalkTogether sessions are held at Stoke Park Woods, offering residents a regular opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and connect with their local community.
parkrun
Three parkrun events take place across the Borough throughout the year at Netley, Eastleigh and Itchen Valley every Saturday at 9am. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! There are also junior parkrun events at Hiltingbury, Dowd’s Farm and Netley.
For more events taking place across the summer in local parks and open spaces visit Eastleigh Borough Council Events or check out Itchen Valley Country Park’s What’s On