Daubeney Fields forever
Check out the improvements to Daubeney Fields
Watch a video about the new outdoor gym at Daubeney Fields
A new outdoor gym, a welcoming mural and a refurbished adventure playground are just some of the upgrades that people can now take advantage of in Daubeney Fields and the surrounding areas.
Located in the King’s Park ward of Hackney, Daubeney Fields also received a prestigious Green Flag award in 2025 – the international benchmark for well-managed, accessible, and biodiverse public spaces.
Other improvements to the park include a new wildflower meadow, the borough’s biggest bee bank, new exercise equipment, more seating, bike racks and a drinking fountain, refurbished park entrances and a new paths.
The improvements to Daubeney Fields are thanks to Sport England and Hackney Council funding, as part of the ‘Sport England’s Place Partnership’, which aims to increase levels of physical activity and reduce health inequalities across the borough.
Polly Mann, from Hackney Marsh Neighbourhood Forum, explains: “The park has been transformed over the last few years. The new entrances and pathways really make the park feel welcoming. It is great to see the park being recognised as one of the best in the country.”
Pupils from Kingsmead and Daubeney schools join the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Hackney, ward councillors, park staff and Gerard Tissier from EcoActive to raise the Green Flag
Gerry Tissier, Hackney Buzzline project manager and community ecologist, adds: “Daubeney Fields is in a unique position in terms of being able to bring together the different communities in one public space. Traditionally there’s not been a lot of integration, so the park is an important place where people can get active and connect with others.”
Park users took part in events, surveys and consultations to have their say on what improvements they would like to see.
They said the park felt hard to access in winter and asked for better pathways and entrances. They also asked for more activities, including outdoor gym sessions, cycling classes and yoga.
Gerry continues: “Daubeney Fields is also in an interesting area ecologically and the Hackney Buzzline is creating a natural corridor that links it with neighbouring parks. We’re trying to encourage bees, butterflies and other wildlife to move between the parks through the built up areas.”
Two girls swing at the recently refurbished Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground
Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground
The Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground now has a new all-weather multi-sports area with goal posts, a shelter for the skate ramp and refurbished storage containers.
The playground offers a free, open access playground for children and young people aged six to 15 years old and aims to encourage play while experiencing levels of challenges.
More than 100 children and young people attended a fun day to celebrate the refurbishment of the adventure playground.
Lilly, 11, said: “I think the kickabout area is good, most of the people like it. What’s brilliant now is that the ball doesn’t go out of the area when shooting goals!”
Hassan, 15, added: “It’s amazing! Finally we got it after a long wait. It’s great that it’s finished and I get to use it.”
The colourful, new mural at Clapton Park Children’s Centre
Clapton Park mural
A nature‑inspired mural has transformed the fence of Clapton Park Children’s Centre, revitalising the approach to the Daubeney Road footbridge.
Commissioned following a successful community crowdfunder, the artwork was designed and painted by Hackney artist Claire Ward‑Thornton of Hackney- based art education organisation Art Hoppers.
Adam Cochrane, project organiser, explains: “What started as an eyesore has become a celebration of Hackney’s nature and community spirit.”
The mural design is inspired by Hackney Buzzline and gives a child’s eye view of a Hackney meadow alive with the bees, moths, and butterflies which visit it.