Mayor of Islington opens largest new playground in a generation

The Mayor of Islington was joined by about 250 excited youngsters on Saturday to celebrate the opening of the largest public playground in the borough in a generation.

Seward Street Playground is an exciting and interactive play space set among six mature plane trees in Bunhill ward in the south of the borough.

Youngsters descended on the playground to be the first to try the new equipment, while a bouncy castle, face painter and juggler were laid on as part of the free celebrations to mark the opening.

Seward Street is the largest public playground to be opened in the borough for decades. The new play equipment includes bespoke climbing structures set around the impressive mature trees, which use nets and platforms to encourage children to interact with each other.

It also boasts play tunnels, wall-mounted ‘pods’ for chatting with friends and a small sports pitch for ball sports, with new grassed areas, seating, railings and gates.  The playground is for under-14s, and adults must be with someone under 14.

Mayor of Islington, Cllr Kat Fletcher, said: “I had a wonderful time watching the youngsters explore all the amazing things this new playground has to offer, and sharing their happiness. This is a truly great space and I’m sure it will quickly become a much-loved place for the community.”

Funding for the playground was allocated by local ward councillors from s106 developer contributions towards community facilities, as well as a £20,000 contribution from the nearby Dallington School.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, executive member for environment and transport and a local ward councillor, added: “This new playground is a huge boost for local residents – it fits seamlessly into its surroundings while offering something for every child. The team worked hard to make Seward Street match the high expectations we have for our award-winning parks.”

The site of Seward Street Playground has an interesting and varied history. Records show that it was home to a windmill more than 500 years ago, then a chapel for Queen Katherine of Aragon and a fort during the English Civil War.

Its use as a park dates back to 1891 when the London Metropolitan Public Gardens Association declared it a public recreation ground, before it was given over to St Luke’s Vestry.  Until recently it was leased to Dallington School, which used it as a playground for pupils.

A friends group is being set up for Seward Street Park.  People interested can email greenspace@islington.gov.uk.