Gloucester Gate Playground, to the East of ZSL London Zoo, is to receive a major transformation to turn it into a space where children can swing, splash, zip line and explore.
The current playground will close on Monday 29 July, to allow refurbishment to commence. Works are expected to take approximately five months, and the new playground is planned to reopen at the end of the year. In the meantime, children can use the three other playgrounds in the park, Marylebone Green, Hanover Gate and Primrose Hill Playground.
The metal, flat, and sterile feel of the previous playground will be replaced with a landscaped space that children of all abilities can play in, rich with planting, and featuring equipment made from natural materials such as rope, bark and willow. Accessibility has been integral to the design, and all areas of the playground will be wheelchair accessible enabling children of all abilities to play together.
The current Gloucester Gate Playground
Plans for the new, natural and inclusive playground
The new playground will be almost double the size of the current playground and will feature water and sand play, climbing equipment, a zip line, and a willow den for storytelling and rest. It will also feature all the traditional favourites such as swings, a slide and a roundabout.
The playground was made possible thanks to the London Marathon Charitable Trust, and a mix of private and public donations. The Trust is also co-funding a three-year play programme with The Royal Parks to help children to spend more time outdoors and actively play in nature, in partnership with local charity, London Play.