New North Acton park features coming to Wesley Playing Fields

Maya Patel Author 2026-05-21 14:55 3 min read

Close-up of a modern blue rubberized playground surface with yellow poles casting long shadows.

Work is officially beginning on a comprehensive overhaul of Wesley Playing Fields in North Acton. This project, a collaboration between Ealing Council and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), aims to transform the space into a modern hub for fitness and social interaction just in time for the peak summer months.

Residents previously contributed their ideas during a consultation phase, and those suggestions have directly influenced the final designs. The focus remains on creating a multi-generational space that accommodates toddlers, fitness enthusiasts, and those looking for a quiet place to sit.

Summer renovation timeline for North Acton green space

The construction phase requires the temporary closure of significant sections of the park to ensure public safety while heavy machinery is on-site. Residents should plan their outdoor activities around the following key dates for the 2026 project:

Project Milestone	Date and Time
Construction Start Date	Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Public Contractor Meeting	Friday, 29 May, 11am – 2pm
Estimated Completion	August 2026
Reopening to Public	Late Summer 2026

Inclusive play and fitness equipment upgrades

The most visible changes will occur within the playground and fitness zones. The new playground is designed with accessibility at its core, featuring a wheelchair-friendly roundabout that allows children of all abilities to play together. A new pendulum swing will also be installed, alongside various pieces of equipment designed for spinning, balancing, and climbing.

New North Acton park features coming to Wesley Playing Fields

For adults and teenagers, the outdoor gym is receiving a complete refresh with new equipment. The existing sports courts are not being left behind; they will be professionally repainted with crisp new markings to improve the experience for local basketball and football players. A new social space with dedicated seating and a shelter will provide a gathering point for families, offering shade and a place to rest between activities.

Infrastructure improvements for year-round park use

Beyond the play equipment, the project addresses long-standing infrastructure issues at Wesley Playing Fields. One of the most significant technical updates involves the installation of planted swales and improved drainage systems. These sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) are designed to capture surface water runoff, preventing the fields from becoming water-logged during heavy rain—a common issue for North Acton residents in previous years.

Safety and accessibility are also being prioritized through the park entrance and path improvements. New solar lighting will be installed throughout the area, extending the usable hours of the park during the shorter days of late summer and autumn while maintaining a low carbon footprint. Extra seating will be distributed across the site to ensure the park remains a comfortable environment for elderly visitors and parents.

Accessing alternative recreation sites during construction

While the playground and sports courts at Wesley Playing Fields are out of use, Ealing Council has highlighted several nearby alternatives for residents. Midland Terrace playground, which underwent its own refurbishment last year, remains fully open and offers modern facilities for younger children.

Additionally, the larger North Acton Playing Fields are available for those seeking open green space or sports facilities. While the main construction zone is cordoned off, some gym equipment in unaffected areas of Wesley Playing Fields may remain accessible, though visitors are advised to follow on-site signage.

Community members interested in seeing the specific design boards or speaking with the project team can attend the information session on Friday, 29 May. Representatives from the contractor and the OPDC will be available near the park entrance to answer questions regarding the construction phases and the long-term vision for the North Acton area.

Source: Ealing Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Project Update

This report is based on official project announcements from Ealing Council and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation regarding 2026 park infrastructure.

Checks