Why Play in the Parks?
Play is an essential part of every child's life and the eight Royal Parks provide an ideal setting for imaginative and inspiring playgrounds surrounded by nature in the heart of London.
Having a space to play is vital for children and London's Royal Parks provide 5,000 acres of open green space for children and families to enjoy. From the duck feeding and leaf collecting of younger children, bug hunting or bird watching of older children, to the informal socialising of younger teens, there is something for all ages.
In addition to the open green space, there are 14 playgrounds across London's eight Royal Parks. They provide a unique setting in nature for children to enjoy, contributing to their social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.
Playgrounds in the Royal Parks
Many of the playgrounds were originally built decades ago when the traditional design approach was focused on prescribed activity, such as swings, slides and roundabouts. This often meant there was little scope for social or imaginative play, with children becoming more easily bored.
To modernise the playgrounds in the Royal Parks and turn them into world-class spaces for play, The Royal Parks created their own Play Strategy, based on the Play Strategy published in 2008 by the Department for Children Schools and Families.
The Royal Parks strategy defines play as:
- Imaginative – a child takes objects and an environment and imagines it is something else, one key factor in healthy brain development
- Physical – graded challenges allow a child to understand risk, conquer fear and develop physical skills is also key to developing coordination and confidence in the body
- Social - a child learns turn taking, looking after others, delayed gratification and many other skills essential to forming successful adults.
The aim of this strategy is to provide play provision that respects the distinctive nature of The Royal Parks.
Our vision
We are working with The Royal Parks and a host of other partners to make these aspirations a reality. Our vision is:
To create an inspiring and beautiful place, where able and less able children can meet and play in a safe and accessible environment. A playground with the 'wow' factor!
To date, we have worked with partners to create the Diana Memorial Playground and contributed to the newly opened South Carriage Drive Playground in Hyde Park.
We are now working together to re imagine Gloucester Gate Playground in The Regent's Park for future generations.
Get involved
You can show your support by leaving your legacy in the Royal Parks, and help transform these playgrounds for children and families.
Call us on 020 7036 8040 or email us on [email protected] to find how you can help.