A £3 million renovation of the Diana Memorial Playground will celebrate her love for children, enhancing play for all abilities.
London: The Diana Memorial Playground, a beloved spot in Kensington Gardens, is set for a major makeover. This £3 million project aims to celebrate Princess Diana’s deep love for children. The playground, which opened in 2000, attracts around a million visitors each year.
Starting this autumn, the playground will close for six months to replace its aging features. The new design will include a stunning galleon, replacing the old pirate ship, making it more accessible for kids of all abilities.
The Royal Parks charity is excited about the changes. They plan to keep the playground’s Peter Pan theme while enhancing inclusivity and physical challenges. Kids will have a blast exploring the new features, including a crow’s nest and a double-story stern with a ship’s wheel.
There will also be a new treehouse made from sustainable timber, offering climbing opportunities at various heights. This will include wheelchair-accessible areas, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.
Additionally, the Mermaid Fountain will be redesigned to expand the water play area, with a focus on sustainability by reusing runoff water for irrigation.
Park Manager Andy Williams expressed his joy at welcoming so many children to this iconic playground. He emphasized the importance of community feedback in the design process, ensuring that all children feel welcome and can enjoy creative play.
The revamped playground is set to reopen in spring 2026, promising to inspire curiosity and connection with nature for years to come.