Refurbished Diana Playground Receives £3million Upgrade: Galleon Ship, Treehouse, and Mermaid Fountain Installed - 25 Years After Controversy Surrounding Royal Family's Absence from Opening Ceremony
Unfiltered Take: The £3million revamp of the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in London, a whimsical nod to Peter Pan with its pirate ship and wooden walkways, is gaining steam after receiving planning approval. First opening its doors 25 years ago, this playground has fostered fun times for over a million young visitors.
The new and enhanced Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground will cater to kids of all abilities, featuring more physically challenging and inclusive play areas. Highlights include a multi-level Treehouse Encampment, sustainably-sourced timber for climbing and playing at varying heights, and a wheelchair-accessible, three-level galleon complete with crow's nest, ship's wheel, and telescope.
Notably, Diana's tragic absence at the playground's opening stirred controversy as press slammed the Royal Family for skipping out on the ceremony. Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, and Princes Harry and William reportedly had prior engagements, leading to Gordon Brown and Royal Parks Minister Alan Howarth taking charge of the opening duties [1][3]. Earl Spencer was there with his children, insisting he wasn't upset by the royal no-show, while Diana's friend Rosa Monckton and her five-year-old goddaughter were also present [2].
Additional Facts:
- The playground originally cost £1.7million to build and is based on a Peter Pan theme due to JM Barrie's earlier playground donation [4]
- Diana's close friend Rosa Monckton criticized the royals for not attending [2]
- The playground features a wooden pirate ship and various other play elements [3][5]
- There is no specific information available regarding any planned updates for the playground [5]
- For up-to-date information about the playground, it's best to contact the Royal Parks directly.
Upcoming Upgrades:
- A new galleon with a crow's nest, ship's wheel, and telescope
- A multiple-level Treehouse Encampment made of sustainably-sourced timber
- Features such as a suspension bridge, tunnel slide, rope bridge, and see-saw bridge with a slide
- A redesigned Mermaid Fountain to expand water and sand play
- Environmental and accessibility improvements like tree planting, sensory planting, and path upgrades
- New seating for families to enjoy the updated playground.
The upcoming renovations include news of a redesigned Multilevel Treehouse Encampment and a new wheelchair-accessible galleon, complete with a crow's nest, ship's wheel, and telescope, highlighting the playground's lifestyle and home-and-garden elements as it aims to cater to kids of all abilities. Additionally, anticipate features such as a suspension bridge, tunnel slide, rope bridge, and see-saw bridge with a slide, making the playground more inclusive and enjoyable for visitors.
