Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Encyclopedia
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is a memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales
in Kensington Gardens
, in The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
, London
.
It was erected after her death at a cost of £1.7 million on the site of the existing Peter Pan children's playground
which had been founded in the time of JM Barrie's (author of Peter Pan) but it is larger and more elaborate than the original. The design, by Land Use Consultants
, was inspired by Peter Pan
. Its most prominent feature is a full scale wooden pirate ship which serves as a climbing area for children, and is surrounded by sand in which they can play. Other features include slides, swings, and an area designed for those with disabilities, including fragrant plants and sound features (for those with visual disabilities). The playground is an example of a "natural play" concept, designed to stimuate children's imagination, sense of adventure, and to encourage them to challenge their physical and mental prowess.
It is at the north western corner of Kensington Gardens, in sight of the Princess's former residence at Kensington Palace
. It is adjacent to the Broad Walk of Kensington Gardens.
Diana, Princess of Wales
Diana, Princess of Wales was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, whom she married on 29 July 1981, and an international charity and fundraising figure, as well as a preeminent celebrity of the late 20th century...
in Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens, once the private gardens of Kensington Palace, is one of the Royal Parks of London, lying immediately to the west of Hyde Park. It is shared between the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The park covers an area of 111 hectares .The open spaces...
, in The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is a central London borough of Royal borough status. After the City of Westminster, it is the wealthiest borough in England....
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
It was erected after her death at a cost of £1.7 million on the site of the existing Peter Pan children's playground
Playground
A playground or play area is a place with a specific design for children be able to play there. It may be indoors but is typically outdoors...
which had been founded in the time of JM Barrie's (author of Peter Pan) but it is larger and more elaborate than the original. The design, by Land Use Consultants
Land Use Consultants
Land Use Consultants was founded in 1966 by Max Nicholson, former head of The Nature Conservancy. An independent environmental consultancy, LUC has offices in London, Glasgow, Bristol and Edinburgh....
, was inspired by Peter Pan
Peter Pan
Peter Pan is a character created by Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie . A mischievous boy who can fly and magically refuses to grow up, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the Lost Boys, interacting with...
. Its most prominent feature is a full scale wooden pirate ship which serves as a climbing area for children, and is surrounded by sand in which they can play. Other features include slides, swings, and an area designed for those with disabilities, including fragrant plants and sound features (for those with visual disabilities). The playground is an example of a "natural play" concept, designed to stimuate children's imagination, sense of adventure, and to encourage them to challenge their physical and mental prowess.
It is at the north western corner of Kensington Gardens, in sight of the Princess's former residence at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. It has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century and is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and...
. It is adjacent to the Broad Walk of Kensington Gardens.
External links
- Official webpage on the Royal Parks website, including some photographs.