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Today In Play
For over two decades, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens has stood as a global reference for outdoor play. Built with passion, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of play value, it has welcomed over one million visitors every year, standing the test of time as one of the UK’s most beloved play spaces.
Now, Timberplay and Richter Spielgeräte are returning to renew this iconic playground, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.
A Playground Crafted with Passion
Peter Heuken, a long-standing member of the Richter Spielgeräte team, was there from the very beginning. He recalls sitting in his living room, sketching out the frames of the ship—a ship designed not just as a structure, but as a vessel for imagination. Unlike a simple wooden frame, this ship was built with depth, texture, and storytelling in mind. It was tilted, grounded in thick beams, and embedded into the landscape to feel real, inviting children to step into a world of adventure.
From the moment of installation, Peter’s experience was filled with personal interactions—Londoners watching in anticipation, recalling their own childhood memories in Kensington Gardens. The playground became more than just a space; it became a living story, woven into the history of the park itself.
A Renewed Vision
Returning to the Diana Memorial Playground over 20 years later is a full-circle moment for Timberplay and Richter Spielgeräte. The original project was a game-changer for the UK, intertwining landscape and play in a way that inspired a new generation of playgrounds. Now, the renewal aims to once again set a global benchmark for outdoor play.
With the same dedication to craftsmanship, storytelling, and play value, we are working closely with The Royal Parks charity, which manages Kensington Gardens, to ensure this space remains as magical, inspiring, and enduring as the original vision intended. The perfect play world—crafted with care, built to last.
Contact us for more information -
Email: info@timberplay.com
Phone: 0114 282 3474