Greenwich Park Team gears up for the 2012 Games

In preparation for the London 2012 Games, The Royal Parks is expanding the team who look after Greenwich Park. Park Manager, Derrick Spurr, will become 'Project Manager for the 2012 Games' and a new Park Manager will be appointed in order to strengthen the team.

Derrick's new role will involve working closely with the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) and other organisations and groups to co-ordinate and facilitate the Olympic and Paralympic events that will be held within Greenwich Park. He will also safeguard the Park and ensure that it is returned to its pre-Games condition following the London 2012 Games. Greenwich Park will host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events and elements of the Modern Pentathlon.

Derrick Spurr, Park Manager of Greenwich Park said: "I believe that Greenwich Park will make a fantastic venue for the Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon events. I am delighted that my new role will allow me to focus on ensuring that these events are a great success and that they have a minimal impact to the Park and the Park users."

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact: Katy Murray, The Royal Parks on 0300 061 2128 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

About Derrick Spurr:

Derrick Spurr has been the Park Manager of Greenwich Park for 10 years.

Derrick will remain in his role as Park Manager until April 2009 - working with the new Park Manager to ensure that he/she is familiar with the role. Derrick will then take on the role of 'Project Manager for the 2012 Games'.

For further information or to apply for the role of Park Manager of Greenwich Park please visit: http://recruitment.royalparks.org.uk/current_vacancies.aspx

About Greenwich Park and the London 2012 Games:

Greenwich Park will host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events and elements of the Modern Pentathlon.

The Equestrian Cross Country Course will be in Greenwich Park and The Royal Parks is working closely with LOCOG to ensure the course is designed to avoid impact to trees and to protect ecological and archaeological areas.

LOCOG is responsible for reinstating the Park to its pre-Games condition following the events in the summer of 2012. At this year's Beijing Games, the Equestrian Events were held on a golf course in Hong Kong, and the golf course was back in use just five days after the competition.

For further information on The Royal Parks and the London 2012 Games please visit: http://www.royalparks.org.uk/London2012.cfm

About Greenwich Park:

Greenwich Park is a World Heritage Site and it has recently been awarded with Green Heritage Site Accreditation by the Green Flag Awards.

Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park. There has been a settlement on this site since Roman times, but Greenwich is more strongly associated with royalty. The land was inherited in 1427 by the Duke of Gloucester, brother of Henry V, and generations of monarchs have enjoyed this magnificent park ever since.

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

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 further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk