Earlier this year, we carried out a survey about Merton Council's proposal to build a large, caged and floodlit artificial grass pitch (AGP) for hire in the park. The results of the survey showed there was strong local opposition to the proposal.
We shared the results with the Council, but it is continuing with its plans.
The Friends have therefore launched a petition asking the Council to protect Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Field as an open, green and publicly accessible space, and to find a more suitable location for any AGP. The petition explains why many local residents are opposed to the proposal, including the loss of open green space, the impact on the character and atmosphere of the park, increased traffic and parking pressures, and environmental impacts.
To find out more, please visit:
https://change.org/nosirjoeagp
If you agree, please consider signing the petition.
If you know friends, neighbours or anyone else who values Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Field, we'd be grateful if you could share the petition with them.
Christine Gibson - Monday, 10 August 2026
I do not go along with the Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing field for a Floodlit artificial grass pitch (AGP) I am very much against this being done. I go to the park everyday, for the peace and tranquillity, the beauty of the open field to walk or sit and watch the wild life ie: Crows, the Foxes, Mullards, Canada geese and the horses in the neighbouring field. The surrounding area's are now so busy, with traffic, it's the only place to go and have piece of mind. It's bad enough that they are going to take down the gas tower for house which I can see will cause more problems. There are other area's where there are open space not in use, like the old BBC Sport field/Fulham which would be more suited. I'm Dead against these plans.