Children celebrated the reopening of a green space in Holloway last weekend following a major revamp.

Biddestone Road Open Space reopened on Saturday afternoon with tree-planting, arts and music as well as sports and play activities for families.

Improvements at the 1,500 sq m site include new lawns, trees, a playground, a basketball hoop, a sandpit, and a new entrance in Holloway Road.

There is also a mini football pitch and the park now has new paths accessible for disabled people, as well as improved security fences and gates.

The reopening coincides with the launch of the Love Islington Parks campaign, which the town hall hopes will raise awareness of Islington’s 120 parks and small green spaces.

It aims to encourage people to “enjoy and respect” the parks and get more involved in their management.

The campaign will include pond-dipping sessions for children, a “Top Dog” pooch training show and gardening days.

Council environment boss Cllr Claudia Webbe said parks were vital.

“Islington’s parks and open spaces make a huge difference to the quality of life of residents, many of whom do not have a garden of their own,” she said. “Parks are a vital opportunity for kids to enjoy open space.

“The new-look Biddestone Road Open Space is a major new space where local residents can relax, go for a stroll or take their families to play.

“This is a really valuable green space for residents of Holloway and beyond, and at the beginning of our Love Islington Parks campaign, it highlights how much Islington’s parks offer for local people.”

For more information on upcoming Love Islington Parks events see the campaign website.