Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground gets a New Look

The Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground is celebrating its eighth anniversary with a range of new features and equipment including a sea monster sculpture, a giant swing, a turtle drum, a storyteller's chair, and a tree carving by Daniel Cordell.

Following a week's refurbishment and maintenance, the playground has reopened with other additions including new tables and benches, so now it's as much fun for the parents as it is for the kids.

Tom Jarvis, Park Manager of Kensington Gardens said: "With over 750,000 visitors each year since the Playground opened in June 2000, maintenance is essential to ensure the high-standard and quality of the playground. These works have given us the opportunity to respond to how the playground is used and I very much hope the new features will bring enjoyment to many thousands of children."

The works have been carried out with funds raised by the Royal Parks Foundation, the charity for London's eight Royal Parks. Sara Lom, Chief Executive of the Foundation said: "We are now raising additional funds, with the generous help of local companies and residents, for other improvements to the Mermaid's Fountain and Tree House Encampment. If you would like to contribute, please visit www.royalparksfoundation.org."

For further press information or NEW images please contact: Katy Murray on 0300 061 2128 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

• The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park. For more details visit: www.royalparks.org.uk
• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.