The popular Greenwich Park Playground has reopened following an extensive refurbishment. The project was managed by The Royal Parks and the improvements have been funded through a partnership between The London Marathon Trust, The London Olympic Organising Committee (LOCOG) and The Royal Parks.
The improvements to the playground include new planting, new seating and a new path. Additional timber play equipment, including a mushroom pump for the sand-pit, jumping discs, mud table, climbing poles and small houses have also been installed.
Graham Dear, Park Manager of Greenwich Park for The Royal Parks said:
"I'm delighted that the much loved Greenwich Park Playground has been improved with natural play equipment, an improved sand pit, seating and new areas of planting. The Royal Parks has worked with The London Marathon Trust and the LOCOG to make this possible and we’re sure that the the changes are going to be very popular. This playground will remain open throughout the year and following the London 2012 Games elements of one of the Equestrian show jumps will be installed as a new play feature. The look of the jump is a closely guarded secret but we’re sure that it’s going to be a big hit!"
Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said:
"Greenwich Park is going to be a spectacular venue for the Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon events and we are working hard on all our plans for the summer. We are delighted to have made a contribution to improving Greenwich Park, and this is one of the many legacy benefits of the Games coming to Greenwich."
Spokesperson for The London Marathon Trust said:
"We are delighted to be able to be part of this project. We are particularly pleased to help the community in Greenwich which, every year, gives the London Marathon such great support. Our mission for the past 30 years has been to help more people in the Capital take more exercise and these great improvements to the Greenwich Park Playground will enable current and future generations of children to enjoy extra outdoor facilities."
Further information
For further information please contact: Katy Murray, Communications and Marketing Manager for the London 2012 Games and The Royal Parks on 0300 061 2146 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk.
Notes to Editors
The Greenwich Park Playground is located in the North of the Park. View a map of Greenwich Park.
About Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park dates back to 1427 and is the oldest enclosed Royal Park.Part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site, the Park is home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line. During the summer of 2012 Greenwich Park will host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian events and elements of the Olympic Modern Pentathlon.
About The Royal Parks
Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks each year. The 5,000 acres of historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of London. The Royal Parks will play a key role in Great Britain's busy summer, hosting a number of Diamond Jubilee celebratory events as well as eleven London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic events.
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. The Royal Parks also manages Victoria Tower Gardens, Brompton Cemetery, Grosvenor Square Gardens and the gardens of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street.
About the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
LOCOG is the privately financed company responsible for preparing and staging the London 2012 Games. LOCOG raises its money through sponsorship, ticket sales, merchandise and broadcasting rights. LOCOG is the direct link to the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee. For further information please visit the London 2012 website.
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