Ideas and Insights

Timberplay were delighted to be a key part of the original playspace and are thrilled to be bringing to life the new Galleon and treehouse encampment as part of the playground renewal.  So, whilst it is sad to see the gates of the play area closed, it is also very exciting to start the work on the next incarnation of the playground, with a new Galleon and Treehouse, improved inclusivity and renewed play value.

Time for the hard work to begin....

As one of the busiest and most popular play areas in the UK takes a breather, we thought it was the perfect time to take a moment to celebrate what is an incredible commemoration of one of the nation’s most cherished public figures. When the plans for the playground were first announced it was seen as secondary notion, behind the Diana Memorial Fountain, however, the success of the playspace has outstripped all expectations for the project.

World Leading Play Space

Viewed as one of the world's finest play spaces, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground was the first large scale project that Timberplay were retained to help deliver. And what a phenomenal project to cut your teeth on! By working alongside landscape architects and designers, Timberplay learnt from the best, understanding the critical importance the landscape plays in creating destination playspaces. It also set the foundations of how we prefer to work with our clients, predominately Landscape Architects, understanding the goals and objectives of the project from the off and working in close partnership to ensure that these are realised.

Sustainability 

Sustainability is key to what we do at Timberplay. The products, manufactured in the heart of Bavaria, utilise Mountain Larch timbers cleared as part of avalanche prevention measures. As they are at high altitudes the species is very slow growing, meaning that the rings are very densely packed , delivering exceptional strength-probably one of the reasons that the Galleon has stood proudly over 25 years now, welcoming in excess of 25 million pairs of feet across its deck. Of course, wear and tear is to be expected with any play area seeing such heavy use, but this has been considered within the product design, meaning that specific parts can be replaced, rather than the whole item. The initial investment is significant at the outset, but this is because the longevity of the product has been designed in – rather than focusing on selling the replacement play area, we would rather see our products and play spaces last for years and years, with only key stress areas needing replacement.

The new design from The Royal Parks’ landscape architects for the wider play area reflects this. Rather than removing everything and starting a refresh just for the sake of it, the renewal new design capitalises on elements that still have plenty of life and continue to deliver unrivalled play value. After all, don't fix it if it ain’t broke! This means that when children return to the play area in Spring 2026 they will be delighted to see some of their old favourites still in situ, alongside new state of the art pieces, familiar yet fresh.

Inclusivity

Inclusivity a central element of the new design too. The new Galleon is across three different levels and is wheelchair accessible so that children of all abilities can play together.   Similarly, the Treehouse invites all children to climb and play at different heights. The Royal Parks’ Landscape Architects have designed new and improved paths, seating and play opportunities to improve accessibility and inclusivity throughout the playground. Sensory planting, musical equipment and quieter spaces cater to children of all needs.

Paul Collings, Managing Director of Timberplay comments on the exciting new renewal of the playspace.

“Timberplay were very much in their infancy when the first incarnation of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground opened its gates for the first time in 2000. Now, more than 25 years later it is gratifying to once again be involved in the design and delivery of the Galleon and treehouse encampment in one of the nation’s most loved play areas.  The Royal Parks should be immensely proud to have delivered a space that has brought so much joy to the children and families,  both those who live in the vicinity or are visiting. In many ways it is the perfect embodiment of such a much loved member of the Royal family, one that touched the hearts of a nation, and the world beyond.  We can’t wait for children and their parents to see the finished results next summer!”

 

The play area is now closed for refurbishment with plans to reopen in time for the Summer break.