William Parnell Park

William Parnell Park is a public park in the south of Fulham, in the Sands End area of west London, managed by Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Locals know it better by its nickname, Pineapple Park, which comes from a wooden pineapple sculpture standing on the grounds.

What is Pineapple Park?

This is a small neighbourhood green space rather than a major sight. It works well as a quiet stop away from the busier parts of London. Residents use it daily, and visitors will find lawns, paths and places to rest among the surrounding streets of south-west London.

How did the park get its name and history?

The story goes back to the 1950s, when the London County Council offered the borough land from the Bulow Road redevelopment area. The council leased it in 1959 for a nominal rent of £1 a year. The space was first called Langford Garden, then renamed William Parnell Park. It opened in July 1961.

The park was redesigned in the 1980s. A later council decision approved a further improvement project covering play areas and landscaping, at a time when the council described the park as run down. The aim was to restore its role as a local recreation space.

What can you do here?

The park is family friendly. According to the council, it has two play areas: one for children aged 0 to 5 and another for ages 5 to 12 and over. There is also a grassy area for informal play and casual sports such as football or frisbee.

Three sculptures stand in the park. The best known is the wooden pineapple that gave the place its informal name. It is worth looking for, especially if you are visiting with children.

Awards

In 2018 William Parnell Park (Pineapple Park) was awarded Green Flag status, together with Marcus Garvey Park. The Green Flag is an international mark of recognition for parks with high standards of cleanliness, horticulture and facilities.

How to get there

The park has entrances on five roads. The nearest stations are Imperial Wharf, Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green, and buses 28, 295 and 424 also serve the area. The postcode is SW6 2LN.

Frequently asked questions

Is William Parnell Park the same as Pineapple Park? Yes. Pineapple Park is the popular name of the same park, taken from its wooden pineapple sculpture.

Is the park good for children? Yes. It has two play areas, one for younger and one for older children, plus a lawn for free play.

Is there an entrance fee? No. It is a public park run by the local council.

When did it open? It opened in July 1961 and was redesigned in the 1980s.

How do I get there by public transport? The closest stations are Imperial Wharf, Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green, and buses 28, 295 and 424 stop nearby.