With the easing of lockdown comes a return of more normal pursuits, and it is with great pleasure that we have been able to once again open sporting facilities at West Ham Park.

The park, which is managed by the City of London Corporation, is home to 12 outdoor tennis courts, making it the perfect place to learn how to play, improve your technique or have a casual game with family or friends.

You can take advantage of the great value the courts offer with a variety of options and with membership starting at just £30.

Cricket is an incredibly popular sport in Newham and the park has refurbished cricket nets, along with artificial and grass wickets which are available to hire.

Last year an annual cricket net membership pass was launched and was very popular. It is available to purchase again this year for £20.

Newham Recorder: Oliver Sells QC values the work of employees and volunteers.Oliver Sells QC values the work of employees and volunteers. (Image: Archant)

Visit: clubspark.lta.org.uk/westhampark to find out more.

The free outdoor gym is open again, too.

You can go along and work out on some of the family-friendly apparatus, which offer activities for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. All equipment comes with instructional guidance.

The playground is open, and we ask you to follow the guidelines to keep everyone safe, observe notices at the gates and if it looks too busy and like distancing will be too difficult, please come back when it is quieter.

Additionally, you may have seen lots of activity in the garden. The park’s apprentice team leader recently led a project to replace the silver birch logs along the woodland walk.

Horticulture apprentices and vegetable garden volunteers helped her tackle the challenge as part of their coursework, which resulted in enhancing this ever-popular space, creating a meandering pathway and a haven for wildlife.

The team are also redesigning the heather bed using a variety of plants with summer and winter white, pink and magenta shrubs like springwood white and Eva Gold which will create all-year-round dazzling display.

I hope you enjoy all the park has to offer, but please be considerate to other park visitors by being respectful and responsible with the facilities and amenities.