Is the next Olympian in Wandsworth? Where to find sport and leisure facilities across the borough

With the Olympic Games well underway in Paris, Wandsworth Council is reminding residents about all the opportunities to try sports and activities in the borough.

Tooting Bec athletics track is home to the borough’s premier amateur athletics club Herne Hill Harriers. Last year, new eco-friendly LED floodlights were installed allowing athletes to train into the night. Work to refurbish the running surface at Tooting Bec was completed in 2022 with upgrades to the changing rooms and showers as well as new gym equipment.

The track includes eight lanes, a steeplechase runway, a javelin runway, shot putt circle, hammer / discuss cage, seating for 400 spectators, and a pavilion with a fitness studio, fully equipped gym and changing rooms.

There is another council-owned athletics venue at Battersea Park’s Millennium Arena, which is open until 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8pm on Sundays. Millennium Arena also includes indoor and outdoor gym facilities for training.

Cllr Judi Gasser, Cabinet member for Environment, said:

“The iconic Herne Hill Harriers have been based in Tooting for more than 80 years and have used their track and field facilities to coach and train many talented local sportsmen and women. For anyone inspired watching the Paris Olympics this summer, we would like to remind residents that Wandsworth has many excellent facilities to use right across the borough, including the newly-reopened Tooting Bec Lido.”

The lido reopened earlier this summer following a £4 million refurbishment. Tooting Bec Lido is one of the jewels in Wandsworth’s crown, the oldest and best in London. The 90-metre-long outdoor pool dates back to 1906 and has been well-used this summer with well over a thousand visitors enjoying the facilities already as part of the council’s ‘Access for All’ scheme.

Access for All enables 250 residents to visit the lido free of charge every day as part of Wandsworth’s commitment to supporting its residents through the cost-of-living crisis. Many Wandsworth residents are also eligible for free (off-peak) gym, swimming sessions and other sports activities at council leisure and sports centres.

When Andy Murray won gold at the London 2012 Olympics in nearby Wimbledon, he inspired a generation of young people. Fred Wells Gardens in Battersea and Roehampton Playing Fields provide tennis facilities for any budding players.

Wandsworth Town’s King George’s Park also hosts new padel courts. Padel is a mix between tennis and squash and could feature in future Olympic games.

For aspiring middle-distance runners, or for those who just want to improve their general fitness in a sociable setting, an adult parkrun (5km) takes place at 9am on Saturdays on Tooting Common. A junior parkrun (2km) takes place weekly at 9am on Sundays on Tooting Common, with another one also on Sundays at 9am in Battersea Park.

Find out more about sports in Wandsworth and the council’s Access for All Scheme: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/sports-and-leisure-venues/access-for-all/