Celebrating 25 years of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
The Royal Parks charity recently celebrated 25 years of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, located in Kensington Gardens.
Thousands of children and their carers attended on the day. The occasion was marked by running play sessions for children and sharing plans for the upcoming renewal of the playground.
The Royal Parks charity, which manages London’s eight Royal Parks, also celebrated another milestone by welcoming the millionth visitor to the playground for the year 2025 on the 31 August.*
2025 marks over a quarter of a century since the playground opened and today the playground is more popular than ever. But after decades of adventures and play, some of the equipment in the playground such as the Galleon (ship) has reached the end of its life and needs a full replacement. This much needed renewal will ensure the playground is a fun, magical and welcoming space for years to come.
Rhona Harley, Senior Landscape Architect at The Royal Parks charity, said:
“On the day of celebration, we were pleased to share with visitors how their views had informed the new designs of the Galleon, Treehouse and water play area. For example, recurrent feedback for the Galleon was that there should be more climbing elements, better access for all abilities and that we should bring back the sails. We have listened and incorporated all of these elements into the new design.”
Peter Heuken, Richter Spielgeräte’s Director of Special Projects, who led a team in creating the original Galleon back in 2000, dropped by to join in the celebrations. He was joined by members of Timberplay, who together with Richter Spielgeräte are delivering the Treehouse and the Galleon. He said:
“I am immensely proud to have been involved in the original Galleon of this playground, and what will be the new one. Everywhere I travel from Canada to New Zealand, people know this park, and they know this playground. It’s a global reference for high quality public play.”
To find out more about the renewal of the playground please visit: Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground renewal | The Royal Parks
*Last year (2024) the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial playground reached a million visits on the 17 November.
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