A playground in honor of Princess Diana is set to reopen tomorrow after undergoing a £3 million renovation. The memorial playground, dedicated to the late Princess of Wales in Kensington Palace Gardens, has been closed since last autumn and has been transformed with a Peter Pan theme. The highlight of the new playground is a full-scale 17-meter wooden ship, featuring a 12-meter galleon, which will be open to the public for the first time at 10 am on Wednesday.
The ship, constructed in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps using sustainably sourced mountain larch wood, offers children the opportunity to climb to one of two crow’s nests, slide down a large tunnel slide, and play in a kitchen located below deck. The wooden structure was crafted in the German village of Frasdorf by Timberplay and Richter Spielgerate, the same designers who created the original Peter Pan-themed galleon for the playground’s opening in 2000.
Additionally, the playground boasts a treehouse with a four-meter slide tunnel and wheelchair-accessible walkways. A redesigned area caters to children under three with timber houses, play ships, and a large sandpit. Although a waterplay area with a life-sized crocodile sculpture has been added, it cannot operate with water due to the current hosepipe ban in London.
Before the public opening, children from St Mary Abbot School nearby were given the opportunity to test the new playground equipment. Park Manager Andy Williams expressed anticipation for the community’s response, emphasizing the inclusive design that offers activities for children of all interests and abilities.
While The Royal Parks is eager to welcome visitors back, they caution that the playground may experience higher-than-normal attendance in the initial months. With a capacity of 450 people, visitors are advised to expect potential queues, especially on weekends. The Park Manager encourages planning ahead and exploring the other playgrounds and family events available across The Royal Parks.
The Diana Memorial Playground, which first opened in June 2000, stands on the site of a former playground established in 1906 by Peter Pan author JM Barrie. Princess Diana’s affection for children and her connection with them is reflected in the playground’s design. The site’s official opening 26 years ago was attended by dignitaries and Diana’s close friends, including her brother Charles Spencer and his children. With an annual average of one million visitors, it remains the most visited playground in the UK.