More than 130 residents have signed a petition calling on Brent Council to refurbish Rainbow Park in Cricklewood, North London, describing the children's playground as unsafe after dark due to vandalism, broken glass, drinking, and drug use.
Petition highlights safety concerns and overgrown woodland
The petition, submitted by the campaign group Friends of Rainbow Park (FoRP), urges the council to add the park to its next round of parks investment. It states that the current play equipment is “old and worn”, with much of the space being overgrown woodland that children cannot use. The petition also notes that the park is unusable in winter due to a lack of lighting or proper footpaths, making it “a summer-only park”.
FoRP claims the safety surfacing in the playground is “past its useful life” and that roughly 40 per cent of the site is “overgrown woodland”. The group says the overgrowth collects litter, hides the park from view, and has allowed foxes to move in where children should be playing.
Residents demand lighting, paths, and secure boundaries
The petition points to a lack of lighting, shelter, or an all-weather path, which makes the park “unusable in winter and on wet days”. Concerns have also been raised about vandalism, drinking, and drug use, which leaves “broken glass and litter where children play each morning”, and makes it unsafe to use after dark.
FoRP states: “The woodland is roughly 40 per cent of the park, but only bigger kids can push their way in. Seating is scarce, and a large empty tarmac circle sits unused in the middle of it all. [...] No one manages the greenery, so it creeps further every season. The overgrowth collects litter, hides the park from view - and foxes have moved in where children should be playing.
“[There is] no lighting, no shelter, and no proper paths [so] from October to March - and on every rainy day in between - the park might as well not exist for local families.”
Community seeks investment for all-ages play facilities
Despite the issues, FoRP believes the park is “worth saving” and wants to see funds invested to make necessary safety improvements. The group is calling for a secure boundary wall, proper gates, lighting, and CCTV, followed by renewed play facilities “for children of all ages and abilities”.
The petition adds: “Much of this matches work Brent already funds in parks across the borough - we are asking for Rainbow Park's turn.”
FoRP member Thyago Goes told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “In a fast-paced world where so many of us spend our days in small flats and behind desks, Rainbow Park gives our kids a safe place to run around, connect with nature and allows parents to meet.
“This initiative was driven by a group of passionate local residents. Our goal is simple: listen to the community, improve this fantastic resource, and upgrade the space so families can enjoy it comfortably in every season.”
Council responds to petition and maintenance concerns
A Brent Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the petition regarding Rainbow Park playground. The areas referenced as being overgrown are understood to be the raised planting beds and shrub areas within the park. These areas are maintained during the winter months as part of the council's ongoing parks maintenance programme.
“The park is locked daily and, while the council takes concerns about antisocial behaviour seriously, no reports of antisocial behaviour at this location have been received for over a year. Any incidents of antisocial behaviour in parks should be reported to the council or, where appropriate, to the Metropolitan Police via 101, or 999 in an emergency.
“We will continue to work to identify sources of funding and review investment opportunities for parks and play facilities across the borough.”
