The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, located near Kensington Palace, is undergoing a significant transformation as part of a £3 million renovation project. The playground, currently closed for upgrades, is set to reopen this summer, featuring a brand-new full-scale wooden ship for children to enjoy.
The impressive ship, constructed in the Bavarian Alps, has been meticulously inspected by Royal Parks staff before its journey to London, where it will find its new home in Kensington Gardens. The £3 million investment is aimed at updating the playground’s aging equipment to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Among the highlights of the revamped play area is a 12-meter tall galleon with exciting features such as a tunnel slide, two crows nests, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the main deck. Additionally, the playground will include a new treehouse, redesigned water play area, and a dedicated section for children under three years old. The ship is crafted using mountain larch wood sourced from sustainable forests in the Bavarian Alps, known for its durability and natural resistance to decay without the need for chemical treatments.
The wooden structure, created by Timberplay and Richter Spielgerate in the German village of Frasdorf, pays homage to the original Peter Pan-themed galleon that graced the playground at its opening in 2000. Park manager Andy Williams expressed excitement about the new additions, emphasizing their role in sparking children’s imagination and providing a safe and engaging play environment, in line with the spirit of Princess Diana.
Timberplay’s managing director, Paul Collings, highlighted the ship and treehouse as key elements that will elevate the playground as a premier destination for public play, ensuring lasting enjoyment for generations of children. Peter Heuken, head of planning and projects at Richter Spielgerate, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of well-used equipment as a testament to the playground’s popularity and success.
Originally opened in June 2000 on the site of a previous playground established in 1906 by JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan, the Diana Memorial Playground has seen substantial footfall, with an average of one million visitors annually, making it the most visited playground in the UK, as reported by the Royal Parks. The upcoming debut of the new wooden ship promises to be a highlight of the revamped Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, continuing the legacy of providing a magical and interactive play experience for children.