It’s all smiles as new park playground opens in Lewisham

Children from a reception class were only too pleased to take part in the official unveiling of a new playground close to their school.

Pupils from the Good Shepherd Primary School, in Moorside Road, Downham, were joined by Lewisham Deputy Mayor, Cllr Louise Krupski, to open the new playground at Durham Hill.

The new playground has received more than £95,000 investment from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy – cash received from developers for construction projects –  the Lewisham Mayor’s Greening Fund and the London Marathon Trust to install these new facilities in this popular local park.

This new playground is designed to be inclusive and aimed towards younger children. It includes a new multi play unit, sensory panels, a swing seat and a carousel. New fencing, benches and a new surface have also been installed.

Also there to celebrate the opening were local residents from Downham Community Action Group and Downham Matters and local Downham ward councillors Andre Bourne, Oana Olaru-Holmes and Coral Howard.

Durham Hill (formerly Downham Fields) is centrally placed between 6,000 houses of the Downham Estate. Located in a steep slope of the London clay, it commands fine views across Beckenham Place Park, up to the Crystal Palace ridge, and to Croydon and beyond.

It’s a very popular place with local people, who enjoy the open, informal feel of the place. Local schools and youth clubs play football here. It is also home to one of Lewisham’s Tiny Forests and a new Orchard, both planted recently.

Cllr Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for environment said: “We are committed to continue to work with our communities to improve play opportunities for all children in the borough, improving children’s health, quality of life and well-being.

“We’ll continue to work with community groups to secure more future funding for further green investments across the borough, prioritising the health and wellbeing of residents.

“It was brilliant to see the children running around an enjoying their new playground! It’s fantastic to see these new facilities finished and in use.”

Gloria Lambert-Morris, of Downham Community Action said: “I am so happy to see our beautiful new playground finished and open. It’s going to make such a big difference to young children and their families in Downham.”

 Pictured top: Official opening of the new playground (Picture: Lewisham council)