Response details:

Dear Cllr Stephanos Ioannou,

Thank you for your suggestion regarding the provision of designated BBQ areas within Enfield’s parks.

We appreciate the reasoning behind your proposal and recognise that many residents, particularly those living in flats without access to private gardens, may wish to have opportunities to enjoy outdoor cooking and social gatherings.

However, the Council is not permitted to allow BBQs within its parks as they are prohibited under the Parks Byelaws (attached in the files section), which are statutory regulations and are not currently being considered for amendment. In addition, a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is in place across Enfield, which also prohibits BBQs in public open spaces.

With changing climate conditions resulting in longer periods of hot and dry weather, encouraging any form of open fire within parks would present significant safety risks. Many park locations have limited access for fire appliances and restricted water supplies, which could make responding to and controlling a fire more difficult should one occur.

There are also practical considerations. If a designated BBQ facility proved popular, it could attract visitors from across the borough and beyond, potentially creating parking and traffic pressures at parks where parking provision is limited.

For these reasons, we do not believe that introducing BBQ facilities within parks would be appropriate or safe. However, if there is interest in developing such a facility, exploring alternative sites that are better suited to this type of use, with adequate infrastructure, access arrangements and parking provision, may be a more viable option.

Thank you for taking the time to share your suggestion and for your interest in improving recreational opportunities for local residents.

Kind regards,