Last updated on 15 February 2026
The Friends of King Edward’s Park – a growing group of local volunteers who came together in May 2025 – are keen to welcome new members.
The Friends formed in response to the recent investment in the park by Kingston Council, donated to and championed by a board member of local property company Ransoms. Over the past few years you may have noticed several improvements: the historic drinking fountain refurbished and brought back into use, the refurbished tennis court, new gates, a new perimeter path and additional benches through the meadow garden. Building on this momentum, the Friends have been working to restore and improve several areas within the recreation ground.
The group meets roughly once a month for around two hours. Since May 2025 they have removed more than 10 tonnes of waste, laid around 30 metres of woodland walk edged with trunks from the park, carried out regular maintenance of the rose bed, tackled weeding and pruning, and cleared the park entrance to make it more welcoming. Councillor Lorraine Dunstone has also made ward funding available to introduce new planting, helping to bring more colour and biodiversity to the space.
Local resident and Friends member Alan Pavett told CDRA: “We are a small group of about 15 so far, aged 13 to 91. Getting outside and doing something useful is great. I’ve met people from my own community that I simply wouldn’t have met before, and it’s given me a real sense of belonging.”
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the Friends plan to complete the woodland garden path, so it links with the perimeter path, continue improving the rose bed, enhance the small area by the south gate near St Paul’s Church Hall, and further develop the walk along the Hook Road boundary.
If you’re interested in joining the Friends of King Edward’s Park, please contact Alan via kepfriends@hotmail.com.
Historic drinking fountain at King Edward’s recreation ground restored
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