PLAYGROUND REFURBISHMENT Consultation Report – June 2012

FOREWORD Linda Lennon CBE Chief Executive ofThe Royal Parks ‘The Victoria Tower Gardens consultation project makes me really proud. It has shown that working together we can really reach a diverse audience and bring communities together in a positive way. This project is more than just the redevelopment of a playground but engages with people and children who enjoy the parks and open spaces we manage. The stories from those who participated in this project have been touching and inspirational. I would like to personally thank everyone involved.’

INDEX 4. Introduction 7. The Project 11. The Findings Acronyms Activities|Ideas| CE Current/Common Era Safety | Opportunities CEO Chief Executive Officer CSQ Consultation Survey Questionnaire 26. The Big Jubilee Lunch LMCT Marathon Charitable Trust PCRP Playground Consultation Refurbishment Project 28. Summary and Conclusions RPF Royal Parks Foundation TRP 31. Project Write-ups VTG Victoria Tower Gardens WCC 39. Appendices 2. 3.

Written by Nick Lane ROYAL PARKS STAFF VOLUNTEERS COMMUNITY GROUPS Community Engagement Officer Linda Lennon CEO,The Royal Parks Angela Hodkinson, Chris Reed, Emily Norman Head Teacher, Paul Whittle General Manager, Emma Keegan for The Royal Parks Ruth Holmes Head of Landscape Lesley Kettle, Pauline Cooney, St. Matthew’s CE Primary School St.Andrew’sYouth Club Teacher, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School Emily Alleway Landscape Architect Patty Johns, Sally Lam, Simon Kleinig David Richards Business Manager, John Stanghon YouthWorker, St.Andrew’sYouth Club James Rigby ToniAssirati Head of Education St. Matthew’s CE Primary School Staff andVolunteers St.Andrew’sYouth Club Teacher, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School & Community Engagement EDUCATION GROUPS Matt Link Teacher, St. Matthew’s CE Primary School Young Members St.Andrew’sYouth Club Mark Wasilewski Park Manager, St. James’s Park, Kate Keogh Head of Art, Year 3 pupils St. Matthew’s CE Primary School Emma Wilson Chief Executive,The Abbey Centre PARTNERS The and VictoriaTower Gardens Year 9 Students Art Class, Pimlico Academy Karen Walker Head of Children’s Services, LEYF George Banya Reception Manager Lorraine Conterio Mike Turner Assistant Park Manager, St. James’s Soraya Dean Teacher & School Council Co-ordinator, Faye Branscombe & Conference Support, The Abbey Centre Education Officer,Thames ExplorerTrust Park,The Green Park and VictoriaTower Gardens Primary School South Locality Children’s Service Manager, LEYF Cliff Wilton Network Manager, Andy Hawkins Trust Officer,Thames ExplorerTrust David Ellis Technical Officer, St. James’s Park, Vicky Walsh Teacher & School Council Support, Glynis Mates EarlyYears Practitioner, LEYF SouthWestminster Action Network,The Abbey Centre Mike Webber Education Officer & Archaeologist, The Green Park andVictoriaTower Gardens Millbank Primary School Anjali Deb-Mukherjee Nursery Manager, LEYF Doreen Green The Monday Club,The Abbey Centre Thames ExplorerTrust & Museum of London Grace Romaniw Technical Officer, Year 2–6 Pupils School Council, Mavis Aird The Monday Club,The Abbey Centre Martin Garside Media & Press Enquiries, Caroline McDonagh Works Manager, Estates Millbank Primary School Members of the Monday Club The Abbey Centre Port of London Authority

Lambeth Spicer Playground Millbank Buxton Emmeline Burghers Queen Abbey Victoria Houses of Bridge Memorial Memorial Pankhurst of Elizabeth Garden Tower Parliament Memorial Silver Jubilee Memorial

Image: ©Bing, 2009 Microsoft Corporation 4. 5.

Introduction

Victoria Tower Gardens (VTG) is a small but significant central These features, along with the London site, managed by The Royal Parks (TRP) and bordered by playground serve a diverse local to the south and the Houses of Parliament (a World community ranging from Peabody Heritage Site) to the North. It shares its eastern border with the Trust properties and the Millbank and its western edge with the busy thoroughfare Estate to Westminster Abbey and Millbank. This compact riverside site contains a small playground at the aforementioned Houses of its Southern-most end with the Spicer Memorial currently providing Parliament. The gardens also attract visitors from around the world a backdrop between the playground and the Lambeth Bridge. who enjoy the green open space, the views and a chance for some The gardens contain several historic monuments and peaceful relaxation from the hubbub of London life. of significant merit which include the Buxton Memorial A playground was first installed in 1923 and paid for by a commemorating the Abolition of Slavery, a statue of Emmeline local paper merchant and philanthropist Mr Henry Gage Spicer. Pankhurst – remembering women’s fight for, and achievement of, He wanted to provide a safe and exciting area for children, especially voting rights. Last but not least there is the of The those from the poorer neighbourhoods, to play and socialise Burghers of Calais by , remembering the bravery together. The Playground’s first incarnation took the form of a large demonstrated by six members of bourgeois society in Calais during sandpit that proved to be very popular with local residents. In later the 13th Century to secure their townsfolk’s freedom from the siege years this was supplemented with, and eventually replaced play Facing-page: The sand pit atVTG, 27 July 1928 led by King Edward III of England during the ‘HundredYearsWar.’ equipment more traditionally associated with a municipal play area, Above: The sand pit atVTG, namely swings and a small slide. 3 January 1927 The current Playground is well used however the existing play Below: ApproachingVTG equipment is quite prescriptive, dated in appearance and has a from Lambeth Bridge limited appeal to older children.The Playground fails to connect with the surrounding landscape of the gardens, the nearby River Thames and the rich wealth of politics and social history that help to define the nearby area. There is a key need to signpost users and potential users to the site and expand on the limited play provision as it stands. Outdoor play has increasingly needed to compete with other distractions, from books and radio through to television and most recently the proliferation of virtual-reality gaming worlds. Although some fear the demise of outdoor play because of this, it only requires a few chats with young people to soon make it clear that outdoor pursuits such as football, running and hide ‘n’ seek are still very popular with a range of ages and across the genders. 7.

The Project

The Royal Parks completed the first round of auditing the playgrounds and playful spaces in 2010; at this point VTG was highlighted as a playground that needed to be reviewed and improved. We looked for funding for the project through Playbuilder (via Westminster City Council), funders and private or corporate sponsors. In 2011 the London Marathon Charitable Trust (LMCT) with the inclusion of money generously donated by PHAB (a charity creating opportunities for children and adults of all abilities to enjoy life together) meant that the project could be started and some refurbishment works could be carried out. An important part of the project was to engage the local community and stakeholders in the process.The consultation project was included to inform and shape the project. The aspirations of the project go further than the current funding. It is hoped that this is the first phase of the improvements to this area of VTG and we are seeking additional funding and resources.

AIMSANDOBJECTIVES TheVTG Playground Refurbishment Consultation Project (PRCP) aims to engage a range of adults, children and groups within the local community. Once established, these links can be further developed during successive phases. The desire was that groups should be encouraged to find out more about their local park and in the process, discover an area that may have hitherto escaped their notice, existing but under-appreciated for its rich historical Top: Existing playground swings and cultural background. with Lambeth Bridge obelisk This report aims to provide guidance during the development Above: Existing playground swings of design proposals for Phase One of the playground refurbishment, Facing-page: Existing playground slide with St Stephen’s Tower harnessing comments and ideas provided by people from the local community,especially children of an age that might use the redeveloped playground facility in the future. 8. 9.

TARGET AUDIENCE METHODOLOGY The consultation project target was to engage with two local primary A number of different styles of engagement were used to ensure the schools, one secondary school, two nurseries, a local youth group widest age range of people living locally could get involved. In all cases and one community group. This enabled people of diverse ages and there were initial discussions and site visits to introduce the subject abilities to provide their input to the project and activities could be and familiarise the adults and children with VTG and the playground. adapted to ensure all were able to take part. It was the desire that a A small team of dedicated Royal Parks’ volunteers supported broad range of views should be heard while recognising the limitations engagement activities and were vital in ensuring the events were that time and resources inevitably have on a project of this size. successful, safe, fun and interactive. A briefing session helped Once engaged, the groups varied in size and age from a full class of volunteers learn about the site history and local area. 30 primary school pupils aged seven to eight to a much smaller Nursery group children had fun making hand prints and focus group of five local ladies aged between 70 and 92. Various considered what they might expect to see in a park and play area. methods and techniques were designed and used to engage people The primary schools were engaged using activities that had a stronger in the project. This involved a wide range of activities that both educational theme, focussing on art and history. Millbank Primary broadened understanding of the area and provided a forum for School Council constructed a Mood Board after taking photographs of feedback. A list of these activities can be found in Appendix I. the site and considering what elements of the gardens and playground Park and playground users were also asked if they would complete make them feel happy and sad.They also met older local residents a questionnaire while on-site to determine their opinions about the from the Abbey Centre Monday Club during intergenerational park and a future playground. AYouth Fete that took place inVTG interviews and an art workshop. St. Matthew’s CE Primary School during 2011 also provided an excellent opportunity to ask for (SMPS) focussed on the descriptive and pictorial plaques on the people’s thoughts and opinions. site, creating base relief rubbings with metallic waxed crayons.

Above: Poster advertising Pimlico Academy (PA) used inspiration from a site visit and meeting Above left: Volunteer the WestminsterVillage consultation briefing Youth Fete 2011 TIMESCALE TRPs Landscape Architect to create playground designs. session at the playground Above right: Playground The majority of consultation workshops took place between January St.Andrew’sYouth Club required a less structured approach with Above: Volunteer undertaking consultation activity at the and March 2012.This satisfied the funding requirements to see Phase a fun and informative treasure hunt designed specially to interpret the CSQ survey WestminsterVillageYouth Fete One works completed, pending a successful planning application, site without making the subject too boring. They also took part in a during late autumn and winter 2012/13.This did however mean the mudlark (foraging on the Thames foreshore for items of antiquity and desire of some local groups to engage with inspirational site visits interest) to help them discover how this ancient river is woven prior to undertaking other consultation projects was sometimes through London’s 2000 year history. muted due to inclement weather. Credit to these groups, that Members of the public and parent/carers as local nurseries despite wind, rain and even laying snow, they togged up and rallied completed Consultation Survey Questionnaire (CSQ) for further forth to find out more about their local park! These groups will be feedback.A website page was set up to provide background and detail invited to engage further during the development of Phase Two. about the project which allowed people to download and submit a CSQ. 11.

The Findings

A broad range of feedback was received. adults ranked this activity as second for how they Children and adults alike had valuable thoughts think children like to play – young people chose it and suggestions. These have been collated to as their top choice with 29% selecting it. provide meaningful input into the project progress. Adults completing the Consultation Survey Questionnaire (CSQ) over the duration of ACTIVITIES: CLIMBING the project placed climbing as first priority for One of the most striking elements of the feedback children they manage/care for. Alongside this, was the popularity of climbing as a past time for some intriguing ideas arose from designs drawn children.This is hardly surprising when consideration up by Pimlico Academy students. Climbing frames is given to the automatic reaction of most children inspired by the local architecture including when taken near a tree with strong, closely St. Stephen’s Tower and a portcullis climbing interlocking branches that dare to droop too frame were a couple of suggestions while another close to ground level! idea was for a double sided climbing frame to Most groups highlighted this activity as near inspire competitive climbing between children. the top of their priorities. One mum identified The mature London planetrees clearly inspired ‘climbing and viewing’ [as important for] ‘older one student to suggest a ‘net climbing frame’ in toddlers.’ 55% of five to seven year-olds at the shape of a tree – a tree you are encouraged St. Andrew’sYouth Club, when asked what they rather than discouraged to climb! Maybe this liked to do when they play, cited some form of would appeal to Bianca from SMPS who wrote: climbing as important. 95% of Abbey Centre Monday Club members were in agreement that children love to climb. Visitors to theYouth Fete “I really like in June 2011, held inVTG rated climbing highly. Adults’ and children’s opinions combined climbing because selected climbing as their top choice with 22% giving it their vote. When broken down,18% of I am a monkey”

Left: Volunteers inspecting their mudlarking finds on the Thames foreshore 13. “I think it’s important to have baby swings as well so that parents with very young children have a place to go” Nursery consultee from the Consultation Survey Questionnaire

ACTIVITIES: SWINGING ACTIVITIES:SKIPPING,BALANCING Closely following on from climbing, swinging was theme, a boat swing was suggested that could AND PLAYGROUND GAMES that is varied in content and levels of difficulty may highlighted as very popular with St. Andrew’s contain four children at once! Both ideas favour As expected, skipping emerged as one of the be more appealing to a wider age range. Being able Youth Club members who made it their most swings that can be used by small groups of children eternally popular games. When a discussion took to complete a section is likely to engender a sense referred-to play activity when questioned. It also at one time, enabling friends to play together place during the intergenerational interviews of achievement which can be enhanced as skill and consistently arose as second or third choice for promote social cohesion and team work. between the Monday Club members and Millbank ability increase with practice and age. Anecdotal young and old alike, across the different groups. Adults demonstrated a strong sense of Primary pupils, it became clear that rhymes used evidence based on watching children certainly Based on a points system, 26% of votes awarded positivity towards swinging, with parents of nursery today were helping to maintain a skipping tempo seems to indicate children are drawn irresistibly by adults were for this as children’s favourite form children expressing the largest number of as much as 70 or 80 years ago. One notable towards features that challenge balance eg. low of play. comments, nearly all understandably encouraging difference during that talk was the freedom rail fences and walls. Hopping from post to post Recognising this, students at Pimlico Academy consideration for babies and young children in children in ‘yesteryear’ had to play in the street, is also something children will try to do, even put their minds to designing creative swings with the final design.‘Swings are vital for babies. Please even in central London, with accounts of skipping if unsuccessful. Several students from Pimlico nearly all students identifying the requirement for don’t take our swings away.’ ropes being strung across their local roads, Academy suggested variations of swivel pads and swings in a newly designed play area. Several children One parent requested that the swings (and something that would be deemed most unwise balancing poles for a newly laid out playground, expressed a desire to have swings facing the River ideally all play equipment and benches) should be in today’s car dominated culture! including a suggestion for a colourful snake-like Thames so a view of the river and the southbank located away from trees to avoid getting ‘covered Skipping meanwhile was also suggested as a pole to hold on to. These types of play equipment is gained when at full swing. The Buxton Memorial in bird poo.’ favourite play activity by a pupil at St. Matthew’s. can promote balance and take up minimal space provided inspiration for Carla who suggested that Maybe two boys from St. Matthew’s sum it up Skipping can help coordination and rhythm while but are more prescriptive with one or two swing corners could reflect detailing from the best. Sebastian said,“I like going on the swing because strengthening muscles and improving overall fitness. children per item. sculpture. it feels like your flying” and Aldion commented: It has the flexibility to be undertaken alone or as a Children from St. Matthew’s highlighted a A basket swing was suggested by Saiwa, “I like swing because when you go up it feels like group where teambuilding can also take place. number of playground-style games as some of described as an ‘XXL Swing’ but depicted with the your on a plane and when you go down it’s like your Alongside coordination and rhythm is balance. their favourite ways to play. These demonstrate distinct basket format. Following this sized-up dropping off and this goes in your tummy”. This can be developed with static features such as that with no more than a wall, a simple landscape stepping stones and rails which will attract children feature or markings on the ground and with a little of different ages depending on the level of the creativity, children can be entertained for long How surveyed adults think How children at theYouth challenge presented. Some children expressed a periods of time. Games such as ‘hide-and-seek’ children like to play Fete said they like to play dislike for this type of activity while providing and the ‘chain game’ (a form of ‘tag’) were cited feedback: ‘I like and don’t like balancing because as team games that work well in a defined space. 30% Climbing 48% Climbing I sometimes fall and sometimes I don’t,’ ‘what I don’t ‘Hopscotch’ was a popular option throughout the 26% Swinging 30% Swinging 13% Running 9% Hiding like is balancing’ and ‘... but when you balance you consultation with someone from nearly every 9% Hiding 9% Jumping sometimes fall’. group of consultees having played it at some point, 9% Exploring 4% Running This feedback, which is largely uncertain, whether in the 1920s or in 2012 ... A large flip-panel 4% Jumping bordering on negative seems to be largely defined version of ‘noughts and crosses’ was suggested by 3% Exercise by their inability to overcome the associated one pupil and a couple of others recommended 3% Make believe obstacle. This would suggest an obstacle course forms of entertainment that might be brought in 2% Crawling 1% Sliding 15.

for specific events eg. puppet shows and Easter and organisation.This type of play also encourages The River Thames helped to inspire the theme egg hunts. Beatrice from St. Matthew’s summarised friendship building, even between children that are of boats for several consultees. From a ‘pirate ship’ this type of play nicely when she wrote: ‘My favourite meeting each other for the first time. It was a replete with ‘look out binoculars’ to an interactive game is chain game because it includes running, gratifying experience throughout the period of pirate ship wheel, a ‘Jolly Roger flag’ and a viewing jumping and friendship.’ consultation to discover that children’s imaginations balcony. Other boat ideas included a boat see-saw are just as easily stimulated today and quite as and the boat swing for four mentioned in the ACTIVITIES: IMAGINATIVE, INTERACTIVE creative as they have ever been. Adults contributed ‘Swinging’ section. AND CREATIVE PLAY valuable input to the discussion when it came to Some people highlighted how different textures Throughout history children have demonstrated ways to stimulate young people’s imaginations. It is and tactile surfaces can stimulate young people. Several Pimlico Academy students included that they often need very little to stimulate their inevitable, that some constructive ideas may slightly In this context, sand would be a positive addition, sandpits in their playground designs. Some expressed imaginations. An abandoned car,the wheels of which counteract each other. For example suggesting a supported by the popularity of the sandpit in concerns as to how these would be managed and stopped turning many years before, will happily ‘hidden trail incorporating existing paths and trees St. James’s Park. Adults pointed out that ‘the sandpit especially how they would be kept dry! ‘I don’t entertain children on fantastical journeys that any would be exciting leading to a hidden fort’ while at St. James’s Park is popular,’ ‘I would like to see a know how to keep the sand dry when it rains regular, modern car would struggle to achieve. recognising ‘anything too sheltered becomes a sandpit’ and ‘a sandpit would be great – and give but I suppose it does not matter!’ and ‘sandpit In 1940s and 50s post-war Britain, bomb-damaged tramps toilet.’ young people the ability to use their imagination’. with lid in case of rain’ but as a whole, these sites became unofficial, sometimes dangerous but The desire for children to have places to hide Although young people at St. Matthew’s also students were clearly in favour of this type of irresistibly exciting adventure playgrounds. Fallen is given further credence with a suggestion of ‘caves identified a number of possible draw backs to sand. interactive and creative play. One Pimlico student trees, time and again, as if by magic, become giant, and grottos for children to sit in’ by a nursery Mum. They commented: ‘I don’t really like sand, I nearly inadvertently addressed one of the earlier concerns people-eating crocodiles that must be ‘tamed’ with Several Pimlico students suggested tunnels because always get sand in my eyes,’ ‘I don’t like playing with by St. Matthew’s pupils by suggesting a sign on the great care to avoid being eaten alive! ‘children like crawling and hiding in tubes’. One sand because it gets in my shoes’ and ‘I don’t like side of the sand pit stating ‘no throwing of sand.’ The modern-day challenge is to provide imaginative child suggested light portals in the tunnel the sand but I like it but sometimes some people Another student suggested benches at either suitable infrastructure that can stimulate ideas, ceilings to ensure his tunnel network was not too throw the sand and it gos sometimes in my eyes...” side of the sand pit so “little ones” would remain encourage children to use their latent imaginations dark! The idea of having space to explore was The last comment being partly in favour and partly safely observed and another suggested picnic tables while having fun and learning or honing newly requested by several parents. against – the above concerns could be addressed in the sandpit area. Issues surrounding litter would acquired skills in communication, assertiveness, by adherence to a playground code of conduct. need to be addressed as part of this final idea.

Fragments of pottery collected from the Thames foreshore 16.

ACTIVITIES: MUSIC IDEAS: GENERAL PLAY Music was chosen by adults during an early survey EQUIPMENTANDUNUSUALIDEAS as something they thought young people like Consultees suggested it would be valuable to install playing with and they made it their first choice but play equipment that is both interactive and durable. this failed to arise as a noteworthy option during Examples cited included the use of living willow later consultation workshops. One parent did sculptures and forms of play that support the highlight the ‘echo chambers’ at development of good balance – this was touched as something she feels would work well in a upon in an earlier section. A couple of nursery refurbished play area. One student made a lovely parents independently suggested variations on comment during the consultation that is linked to springy devices that children sit on and wobble this idea. In relation to swimming, she said: ‘I like back and forth. putting my head under the water because it feels Several Pimlico Academy students were nice and I like hearing the bubbles because it inspired to useVictoria Tower as a basis for their sounds nice and cool.’ play equipment, either as a method to disguise stairs that lead to a slide or in order to form part of a larger pergola structure that provides a raised walkway. One suggested housing a model of the Big Ben bell underneath the slide – this would certainly ensure the play area was noticeable in the future if the bell was fully operational. Unless “My favourite game quiet, this would possibly not be the most practical or popular feature however with other park users and local neighbours! While referring to slides, is chain game because another student linked his lion themed fountain, mentioned in the previous section, with a lion themed slide. His logic: ‘The reason the slide has a it includes running, lion on the end is because of the water fountain. The water fountain lions squirt out water and the playground lions squirt out children.’ Other ideas jumping and friendship” included a large ‘London Eye’ style windmill, a London Eye themed roundabout, a giant hamster Beatrice, St. Matthew’s CE Primary School wheel that is driven by children walking around in it and several variations of a playground maze.

Right: Members of St.Andrew’sYouth Club mudlarking on the Thames foreshore 18.

One suggestion was to place the maze over the IDEAS: INFRASTRUCTURE FEATURES in a local café/restaurant that could be used as an instance with numbers, dates or life-cycle stages?’ main entrance, forcing playground users to navigate Students at Pimlico Academy were particularly emergency backup. The visit timetable was then One student suggested ‘Statues of people from it to gain entry/exit – this might make a visit to the taken with the idea of a fountain. One suggested a partially planned around the access times to these history, so tourists can look at them because they playground a rather time-consuming event unless fountain with lions as spouts, another suggested facilities. are interested’ while another suggested a map of people use the handily designed bypass route and a circular fountain that people could throw coins There is a strong case that toilets would the park. One student thought photos for people as the maze’s creator says: ‘the boring people can in to. Water remained a theme with one adult become essential if a kiosk or café facility was added to look at featuring the history of the site would just enter through there...’ suggesting a paddling pool and several children to the site. Certainly there were several requests be interesting. Similarly another suggested a wall A thick glass wall in front of the Spicer featuring a river styled water feature with bridges, from the consultation that indicated such a feature with images on both sides and finally there was Memorial was suggested by a Pimlico Academy rocks and lily pads. One suggested design even may be popular with some groups of people a suggestion for ‘pictures of people that have student, behind which would be a collection featured toy fish and a toy fishing rod! currently using VTG. One student also suggested something to do with the park with a description of plants but the wall ensures they ‘don’t get in to the site would benefit from an ‘ice cream stand of them underneath for adults or children that are the play area.’ A race track was designed by a IDEAS: FACILITIES AND GENERAL to attract children’. interested in the parks history.’ student who has clearly picked up the Olympic MANAGEMENT Concern was highlighted in relation to the play Children and adults were asked in 2011 at torch and is running with it in relation to his ideas. From the outset of the consultation period, area being kept clean – litter collection, provision a youth fair, to name the period or an event in Interestingly the idea of a double width slide that several people made it clear that they felt the site of an appropriate number of waste bins and one London’s history that most fascinated or impressed can be used by two children or an adult and small would benefit from toilet provision. These included gentleman asked about the cleaning regime of the them. They were asked: What did they think was child at one time was suggested by a parent the General Manager of St. Andrew’sYouth Club and slide as he had had some poor experiences of it most important? They were then asked to mark consultee and student on separate occasions. The approximately 95% of assembled members of the being in a dirty condition in the past. their choices using a sticker against their choice. student suggested removing the steps and instead Abbey Centre Monday Group. Staff at St. Matthew’s A mix of younger and older consultees made Their combined choices selected the Great Fire having a log slope with rope to pull yourself up by, said they were approached on a regular basis by suggestions for a covered area of seating to protect of London as first choice, the Abolition of Slavery not necessarily an easy option for smaller children. primary schools visiting the area wishing to use people from direct sun and rain with a creative as second and WorldWar II as third. Joint fourth One adult requested that anything designed with their toilets after realising there were no public student suggesting an umbrella stand inspired by was the Reign of King HenryVIII and the Roman steps should ensure they are of a tread height that facilities in the vicinity. A nursery consultee said the London Eye. occupation of Britain AD43 – 410BC. is utilisable by all ages. Finally for this section, a ‘toilets are very important and a baby changing People were also asked to name their favourite suggestion was made for using footprints laid in to facility’ while another asked for ‘small toilets for IDEAS: EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION current place in London. The consensus of opinion the ground to act as a guide around the play area. children and baby changing facilities.’ A nursery parent was keen for children to have the was for the Tower of London as first choice, Furthering this idea, if the prints were unevenly The organisation of the site visit for Pimlico space to explore, to look at ‘minibeasts, creatures Big Ben/St. Stephen’sTower as second and spaced, they may act as a form of challenging Academy was simple except for the issue of toilets and plants’ and be able to learn with ‘good Buckingham Palace as third choice. stepping stone.The way in which such footprints as the group had an additional bus journey to and interpretation and wayfinding’ with an ‘Education This feedback may influence some of the are designed will determine their durability. Any from their school that made the session quite long. Centre [to] analyse finds while sitting down.’ future interpretation within the playground design. form of line painting or printing on site is likely Ideally they needed to have access to toilets during A nursery manager suggested that ‘stepping stones Further details on the results can be found in the to be less durable. their site visit. This was resolved by identifying toilets work well – maybe they could be themed for appendices at the end of this report.

The Thames and Lambeth Bridge from VTG 20.

SAFETY:GATES/ACCESS via the steps to Lambeth Bridge and another busy SAFETY: BOUNDARIES SAFETY: LIGHTING Safety and access was a subject that inspired more road. The South-west corner is less convenient Linked to access gates is the boundary fence. Most There was a suggested improvement to enhance comments and ideas/suggestions than almost any to reach if travelling from the northern end of respondents that referred to this indicated they the lighting around the play area however at the other. The two issues have been linked in the title Victoria Tower Gardens. Children’s suggestions felt that some form of boundary was necessary present timeVictoria Tower Gardens is locked at as they were often combined in single evaluation included a turnstile gate, climb-proof gates, gates although one parent said there was the ‘potential dusk and opened at dawn so this may not need to statements, for example referencing together gates tailored to differently aged children, gates with a for a prickly hedge instead of a fence but must be considered a priority at this time. If lighting was and fencing. Adults and children alike felt that some ‘heavy bolt so kids can’t get out,’ only ‘one gate to have a gate.’ Others referred to ‘secure fencing introduced at night, consideration would also need form of cushioned ‘self-closing’ gated entry system keep an eye on children’ and a ‘double gate system areas’ and ‘enclosure of the playground.’ to be given to whether this might attract was very important. Suggestions from adults to ensure no child can get out onto roads or the In relation to general safety, adults highlighted unwarranted attention during the warmer summer included gates that ‘swing in to playground’ to river without an adult.’ a range of concerns, some born from personal months and also create ‘light islands’ with pools ensure that very young people are not able to A couple of parents from different nurseries experience using other play areas. The nearby road, or relative darkness between lamp columns. push the gate open by themselves (a natural and highlighted that it is important that the playground current playground surface materials, lighting, age An Environmental Impact Assessment will also relatively easy action for a child of any age) with is designed to allow easy access for children’s limit, dogs, sightlines across the play area and the be needed in relation to potential light pollution – the possibility to then run in to the nearby busy buggies. Although double buggies were not isolated under-used elements of the current site light entering areas that have previously been dark road. Several adults expressed concern about the specifically referred to by either person, it follows were all raised. which can have an impact on the local community road as it is so close and potentially dangerous. that an entrance and internal path system should Comments relating to these issues included: and wildlife within the park. There were suggestions for a variety of child-safe be able to cater for such a piece of baby/toddler ‘the worn tarmac surface is a nightmare – like a catch systems on gates and for a gate or gates to equipment. This will also address provision for cheese grater’ There were requests to: ‘improve be relocated away from the road side of the wheelchair access which is looked at in the ‘Special surface – make even and flat,‘soften surfaces’ – playground. Following discussions, the north-east to needs’ section. One parent specifically said they too hard at the moment’, ‘provide shock absorbing east side appears to be the most logical location found it ‘difficult to find a place in the local area surfacing’. for an entry/exit. An access gate in the south-east to take buggies to a swing park.’ corner would provide children with easy access

Above: Members of St.Andrew’sYouth Club mudlarking on the Thames foreshore Below: River Thames panorama from VTG 23.

SAFETY: POLLUTION needs to be more obvious.’ Another consultee OPPORTUNITIES:SPECIALNEEDS One consultee expressed concern about pollution said: ‘I didn’t know the play area existed – we Staff at Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School (QEIIJS), from the vehicles travelling along Millbank and the came in at the Houses of Parliament end of a school specialising in working with students aged impact this might have on children playing and Victoria Tower Gardens the first time and saw no 5–19 with severe and complex learning difficulties, exercising so close. She suggested the following as reason to go to the other end.’ were consulted in relation to the refurbishment of a form of mitigation:‘maybe more shrubs to shield it.’ theVTG playground. They were extremely helpful This has the potential to also link with another SAFETY: HISTORICAL LINKS throughout. James Rigby, a teacher from the school person’s suggestion for a ‘path through planting as The issue of safety arose during an inter-generational gave TRP’s Landscape Architect and Consultation demonstrated in Warwick Square.’ interview that took place between pupils of Millbank Officer a tour of their recently designed and Primary School Council and representatives of the installed play area for students at the school. SAFETY: SIGNPOSTING Abbey Centre Monday Club. Questions largely The equipment was tactile and often involved Requests were made that an upper age limit should prepared by the children and asked of the 70–90 stimulating one or more of the body’s senses. be clearly displayed at the entrance of a future play year old group members with reciprocating answers James also travelled with TRP staff toVTG area to define the intended target audience and were recorded by Westminster Archives for to see the current playground and to give his that ‘adherence to the age limit should be enforced.’ posterity and will be available in time via the professional opinion on how the site might be best It was also requested by adults that ‘smoking Westminster Archives and The Royal Parks adapted to ensure young people with a variety of should be prohibited’ and ‘no dogs.’ One parent Websites. Gary, aged eight asked the ladies if the physical and social requirements are able to make said they use St. George’s Square for this reason. play equipment they used when they were children the best use of future play equipment. He later Pimlico Academy students also demonstrated an was safe. Mavis responded saying that by today’s provided dimensions of the two school minibuses awareness of general safety issues, highlighting the standards it was not and gave an example“We had to enable plans to incorporate a temporary drop need for signage saying things like ‘No children a long swing,like a big plank and at each end there off and turning area for such vehicles within the running out of gates’ and ‘No dogs or bikes.’ were two big iron bars.Someone would stand at each VTG site. He explained that staff would maintain Some people highlighted the somewhat end and several children would sit in the middle, responsibility for students while making their way tucked-away nature of the play area, located as it holding onto hoops,and they would gradually swing it to and from the drop off point, bearing in mind Above: Mark Webber, Museum of London – introduction is at the quieter end of VTG.This perception may backwards and forwards, it was quite hair-raising and the busy main road nearby. to the history of the Thames be enhanced by the presence of a tall hedge along it definitely wasn’t safe!” James, a pupil at Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee and mudlarking activities to St Andrew’sYouth Club. the northern end of the playground, thus largely Spurred by that comment, Doreen, also from School, was extremely positive in relation to the Background: Detail of the screening it from the larger part of the gardens. the Monday Club, asked the children where they idea of the playground redesign saying it sounds Spicer Memorial While one nursery parent said the ‘play area were able to play safely today, pointing out that like a ‘fantastic project and one that we would is great,’ another said ‘it seems a bit empty with today children are unable to safely play in the certainly hope to utilise.’ When considering the only two things there and it can be a bit quiet – streets as happened in the past and was outlined possibility of adding toilets to the site as part of we’re normally the only ones there.’ This view in the skipping section of this report. Several pupils future works beyond Phase 1, he highlighted the was supported by several people interviewed on responded with examples such as ‘’ strong need for a bed or hoist to enable children different days who said it was ‘quite tucked away’ and ‘[the] nearest football pitch or park – away in wheelchairs to be able to use such facilities with ‘not enough things to use’ and ‘the playground from cars and motorbikes.’ although he did recognise the site restrictions that 25.

might make this impractical to achieve without OPPORTUNITIES:FURNITURE considerable expense. Benches in one form or another featured Finally, in relation to specific play equipment, prominently in many people’s responses. James said that a basket swing would make an A request was made for chairs to be excellent addition to the play area saying they... ‘mum and baby friendly,’ also provision ‘tick so many boxes as children big and small or of logs to sit on, long benches and benches wheelchair bound can access them. Just be careful near the entrance/exit to monitor children’s to ensure that it is low enough to the ground so as movements. One Pimlico Academy student to enable adults lifting a child out of a wheelchair.” suggested a colourful and attractive snake bench with river views. Other thoughts were OPPORTUNITIES: PLAYGROUND SIZE for a bench with a roof and a bench especially There were very few observations in relation to designed for use by young people. the size of the playground and more about its A request was made for a table that looked like contents or lack of contents as the case may be. the London Eye from above with pod-style chairs. The only two main comments were via postal returns within the consultation questionnaire OPPORTUNITIES:WILDLIFE that had been handed out at previous activities. Some consideration was given to the wildlife of ‘I think playing means adventures ‘It would be great if it was bigger’ stated one. VTG as provision is currently limited. Suggestions The other asked, ‘keep it to a minimum space... for a bird box and bird bath were made and many confined like a school play area.’ elements of the local community saw the value of and sport using your imagination. the mature trees for providing shade in the summer, shelter from the rain, a home for wildlife, Sometimes with friends sometimes helping to clean the air of dust and providing fresh air to breath. As one child suggested,‘trees for old without, dressing up or in normal people like sitting around for good smell.’ clothes, in houses or in parks with

toy or without’ Freya, St. Matthew’s

Right: Detail of the Spicer Memorial 26.

The Big Jubilee Lunch

TRP wanted to say thank you to all the people and Everything culminated in the impressive Flotilla groups that had participated in workshops and going by and lots of happy people that managed interviews for this project. The Queen’s Diamond to spot HM The Queen aboard the Royal Barge Jubilee weekend seemed like the perfect time to Gloriana. The day was brought to a rather abrupt do this. AsVTG borders the river Thames, the end with torrential rain but luckily this arrived Thames Pageant featuring the Royal Flotilla of at the same time we had planned to wind down 1,000+ boats on 3 June made perfect sense. With our element of the day, so everyone left happy if the permission and support of the Park Manager, slightly bedraggled. Mark Wasilewski and his team, an area ofVTG was Overall the ‘thank you’ event was well cordoned off for private use by people involved received with several positive emails received from with the Playground Refurbishment project. happy participants. A debriefing session was held As well as a dedicated section of river wall for for staff later in June, at which point elements of participants to watch the Flotilla, a number of the event were discussed, recognising where the activities were laid on. event worked well and identifying constructive Despite inclement weather, everyone seemed ways to improve it for the future. Notes from to have a good time. The rain held off for the this meeting will be circulated to relevant staff majority of the event and entertainers were hired and stored for future reference. to deliver craft activities to entertain children both TRP would like to take this opportunity to at the thank you event and those that had come to express its sincere thanks to the dedicated group the rest of VTG. They were all able to make some of volunteers who have not only supported the splendid looking crowns made out of coloured consultation events and activities but also helped foam and therefore impervious to the rain! Younger to deliver the final thank you event on 3 June. children were entertained with parachute games, Without their knowledge, enthusiasm and dedicated a teddy bear’s picnic with Big Ted making an commitment, this consultation period would not appearance and storytelling. All were encouraged have been nearly so engaging and informative. to take part in the cupcake design competition Many of the volunteers live in central London; which was expertly judged by TRP’s CEO Linda they gave their time for free to attend activities, Lennon and Norma Franklin, a volunteer with a whatever the weather. They are a credit to society. wealth of baking experience. A sing-a-long session mid-afternoon had everyone making lots of tuneful noise and children were provided with air guitars decorated with a Union Flag motif. Mercifully they didn’t make any real noise but allowed lots of vigorous strumming. Right: Scrapbook of pictures of the celebration to watch the Jubilee Royal flotilla inVictoria Tower Gardens 29.

Summary and Conclusions

Over the last six months, this consultation project has worked with a variety of people from the local community in Pimlico and the area surrounding VTG. Overall there has been strong and positive support for the proposal by TRP to use recently acquired funding to undertake Phase1 of refurbishment to the playground at the southern end of Victoria Tower Gardens. Overall the findings of this consultation are that children still enjoy activities today that have been popular amongst children throughout all time. For example climbing, swinging, skipping and playing hopscotch. Local youngsters expressed a desire to incorporate elements of the history of the local area within a future plan and have provided some constructive and creative ways to potentially achieve this. From aVictoria Tower-styled stairwell to umbrellas and roundabouts inspired by the London Eye, a landmark feature that is visible from the play area. From boat swings to a scale model of the River Thames flowing through the playground, they certainly didn’t Facing-page: Statue of lack imagination. Below: Rodin’s When thinking about key moments in history, the Great Fire of London topped the score board with the Tower of London and Big Ben (St. Stephen’s Tower) following closely behind. Concerns were expressed over the safety of the site with the boundary and gates cited by most as essential. Safety recommendations in relation to the nearby Millbank highway were proposed including gate relocation and new fastenings. Good maintenance and high quality equipment that can entertain a wide range of ages were also priorities. Some requested facilities such as toilets, baby changing facilities and refreshment/snack provision. 30.

Other common requests included the installation of safety surfaces and establishing a set of site behaviour rules that should be clearly displayed at the playground entrance. People have expressed excitement at the proposal to improve the current playground facilities and have been forthcoming with a variety of helpful and constructive comments to aid the development of a detailed design proposal that can be delivered to Westminster Planning Department during summer 2012. People have demonstrated an interest and pride in their local area, a desire to find out more about its history and a keenness to be kept up to date with future developments. Young people engaged with a variety of projects and have produced a wide range of results inspired by existing landscape features and history or wishing to inspire future playground elements. Some of these have featured in this report. All consultees gave both their energy and enthusiasm to the project, demonstrating a willingness to work together when appropriate to share their ideas and experience. The results were in some instances quite creative. TRP is grateful to everyone who took part and hope they will wish to continue their involvement as the project progresses to what is hoped will future phases of development. The recent survey has worked to develop and strengthen relations between TRP and the local community. A database of contacts has been developed that will, with permission of the contacts, be held by TRP to ensure further consultation can more easily take place in relation to further anticipated phases of the playground’s development and other issues concerning the local area in relation to TRP.

WAY FORWARD This report will be used to inform the design of Phase1 playground refurbishment works inVictoria Tower Gardens. It is expected that this design will then be submitted during summer 2012 as part of a larger application to Westminster City Council Planning Department. Pending a successful result, it is anticipated that works will be undertaken during late autumn 2012 and winter 2012/13. This will utilise money raised to date with a desire to undertake further Phases of work as more money is raised. Facing-page: The Buxton Memorial (Slavery Memorial) 32. 33.

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St. Andrew’s Youth Club Mudlarking

INTRODUCTION TREASUREHUNT A key relationship for the playground PRE-MUDLARK Mike also brought along old images St. Andrew’sYouth Club forms one We wanted to find a fun way for the is its near-neighbour, the River INSPIRATIONAL ACTIVITY: of theVictoriaTower Gardens area that of the anchor points to the area children to discover more about the Thames, so mudlarking was chosen Children took part in a youth club illustrated how the area had changed surroundingVictoria Tower Gardens site’s history that incorporates a as an exciting engagement activity. based activity several weeks before over the last 2,000 years. This gave a and boldly lays claim above its number of nationally significant Mudlarking developed as aVictorian the mudlark. This was designed to sense of the history associated with the entrance door to the title of oldest sculptures and memorials. A treasure hobby that was particularly popular whet their appetite by looking at site and started them thinking about youth club in the world. While the hunt seemed to meet this requirement with women, some of whom turned cleaned examples of objects they how this history may be incorporated age of children attending the club will and so a detailed treasure hunt was it into something of an occupation. might find on their expedition in to a future playground design. continue to be ever youthful, there is drawn up that incorporated an old It involves walking along the Thames It was discussed how some of the a real sense of pride in the history style map and booklet of clues. foreshore looking for items of interest EVENT: attractive and colourful pottery finds that this organisation encompasses. The children worked in teams to and antiquity that have been exposed The afternoon started by meeting may be incorporated in to a mosaic Following an initial meeting with solve the clues and find the treasure. by the daily movement of water in this Mike Webber near the Millennium within the playground. A number of the General Manager, Paul Whittle, Clues led them to discover a hidden tidal river. Although some objects Bridge after a health and safety pottery pieces were taken by The it was felt the most suitable group to indicator that the gardens were once may have a degree of monetary value, briefing and inspiring overview of Royal Parks to be stored safely for engage with would be the Monday wharves that were prone to flooding. these days most found objects are London’s history. The group then just such an activity. and Wednesday night groups – a Maths helped them to work out the more likely to excite museum curators made their way down a steep set of Another potential follow up activity mixture of boys and girls aged five age of Emmeline Pankhurst when she than bank managers. steps to the foreshore. may involve creating impressions on to nine years old. died and to approximate the age of This activity required a high level damp clay discs using found objects The consultation officer initially one of the gardens largest inhabitants of planning to ensure it would take EQUIPMENTUSED: that have interesting patterns or that spoke to and then met with John – a London Plane Tree. Despite a cold place safely,especially when considering Vinyl gloves including special XS can be easily identified.These imprints Stanghon, the youth club leader and February day with snow still lying on the potentially hazardous location. (child sized) pairs for the youngsters, would be used as moulds to create from these discussions a couple of the ground, the children put their all The Port of London Authority gave bags – small food bags and larger cast iron plates for the playground engagement activities were outlined. into the hunt and were rewarded with advice, and the Thames Explorer Trust reused supermarket bags, hand gel, Examples of these were seen by It was felt the events should be not only an enhanced knowledge of kindly agreed to support a number laminated clay pipe ID chart, print Nick Lane in-situ at Kilburn Grange interesting enough to stimulate a the site by the end but a rather sparkly of activities that would enhance the outs of H&S information Adventure Playground.Vitally they group of children that were under no pebble that translated to an exciting children’s understanding of the River would directly engage with local compulsion to take part if they found prize for each member of the winning Thames, the history of London and POST-MUDLARK young people and could help to the activities to be either boring or team.To ensure no altercations, how this related toVictoria Tower EVALUATION OF FINDS: further a sense of ownership with ill suited to their age range. consolation prizes were awarded to Gardens. A renowned archaeologist Mike Webber rejoined the group at said children. all participants – 14 in total. St AndrewsYouth Club from the Museum of London, Mike their club to analyse their finds which Treasure Hunt Webber lead a mudlarking session on had been scrubbed clean and soaked Top: Searching for clues the northern Thames foreshore, just in disinfectant. The children and Middle: Nick Lane gives opposite theTate Modern/old Bankside adults alike were astonished how instructions to group Power Station.Tide timetables were much dated back to Mediaeval or Bottom: Group shot inVTG used to select the best slot to allow even Roman times. Background image: The Treasure Map maximum scavenging time. 34. 35.

PROJECT WRITE-UP PROJECT WRITE-UP

St. Matthew’s CE Primary School Millbank Primary School The School Council

INTRODUCTION PIMLICONURSERIES INTRODUCTION SITEVISIT AND MOOD BOARD St. Matthew’s came in to the project They paid particular attention to A range of nurseries were engaged Millbank Primary School sits nestled Nick Lane began by meeting the a tour of the site which focussed towards the end of the consultation dates and key moments in history. with. Parents and carers were within the grade II listed Millbank children at their school, outlining the on a number of the key features phase however they undertook the Some investigated the range of interviewed and their responses Estate, both gaining their name from proposal to refurbish the playground of interest. activities with such enthusiasm and textures that were available to make recorded. The responses were a former mill house associated with and encouraging them to start thinking They took the photos back to gusto that in the end they were able rubbings of within the site. incorporated in to the consultation Westminster Abbey. The two form about how they like to play and with school and once printed up, with to include as many events as most of The group also presented some report. A group of toddlers were entry school, built in 1902 has the site visit/mood board in mind – support they created a mood board the other groups. Initial meetings of their work to their school assembly engaged with a hand print exercise approximately 440 pupils. The what makes them feel happy and that was roughly split down the took place with the Head Teacher, on the last day of Spring term. after an activity where they were consultation project worked with a sad, different emotions and how middle based upon the emotions Emily Norman and other school staff They took part in a couple of extra encouraged to think about the local group of 11 students forming the our environment can impact upon described in the last paragraph.This to establish how best to involve the workshops to feed in their final parks. They talked about what they School Council and ranging in age on these. exercise encouraged them to think school. TRP’s Consultation Officer thoughts about the playground might see if they visited a park. from 7 –11years old. These students For the site visit, the children about the impact of different colours then met a class with their teacher refurbishment, particularly in Several nurseries make regular trips are ambassadors for the school, brought digital cameras with them in the gardens – green grass, black to talk about the project and think relation to historical references. to use Victoria Tower Gardens so the engaging on a number of local and were encouraged to photograph bronze, the colourful spire of the about how they like to play. They youngsters were able to work with community based projects. The pupils different things that either made Buxton memorial. They also visitedVTG, using waxed crayons this very well. They produced some in turn feedback what they experience them feel happy, excited with lots of considered textures – the rough, and A3 paper to create some very very colourful hand print pictures and learn to their fellow peers within energy and full of fun or things that grey tarmac textures, the faces of colourful imprint rubbings of which may be able to inspire some the settings of school assemblies and made them feel bored, unhappy, tired, anguish on the Burghers of Calais. commemorative plaques. future artwork in the new play area. classroom reports. There is also an angry. They did this while being given opportunity for them to take on board the opinions of their fellow classmates. An initial meeting with the two teachers that coordinate and support the school council helped to determine the nature and direction of activities suitable for the group while ensuring an opportunity for creative input to the design process.

Above: St Mathew’s CE Primary Above: Handprint artwork with School group toddlers from Pimlico Nursery Background: Wax crayon rubbing taken from lettering on the memorial to Emmeline Pankhurst

Above-middle: Nick Lane gives introduction to the history of VTG Above-right: Students developing moodboards from photos and text Right: Example of mood board 36. 37.

PROJECT WRITE-UP PROJECT WRITE-UP

The Abbey Centre Monday Club and Victoria Tower Gardens Mural Millbank Primary School Council and Intergenerational Interviews

INTRODUCTION PREPARATIONS THE INTERVIEWS The Abbey Centre is housed in a The club’s leader, Doreen Green The school group began weeks in Monday Club members kindly agreed to detail that the children were break allowed a little more colourful, red brick building on Great was approached in relation to the advance by planning questions to to attend the centre on a Friday to fit demonstrating with their work socialising before the engaging job Smith Street which once served the playground consultation project. ask the Monday Club members. They in with the school children’s curriculum and at the same time, the speed at of interviewing could take place. local community of Westminster as She was asked if the Monday Club were determined to ask different timetable. The intergenerational which they created their pictorial With the support of Georgia public baths, the first to be built in would consider working with questions that would prompt the activity was planned with the masterpiece. Royal Parks’ volunteers Vossou and her MP3 recorder, the the borough. The building now has a Millbank Primary School Council ladies to recall the way they used valuable support of GeorgiaVossou, helped and guided the children as children began to ask their questions. very different but no less important to investigate how informal play to play, where they played and with Conservator at Westminster Archives they worked and the ultimate result In order for each child to have the public function as a community and by children today has changed in whom they spent much of their who kindly agreed to record the was a fantastic example of teamwork. opportunity to ask a question they conference centre. The centre comparison to their childhood of spare time as young children. interviews so they could be stored for Within an hour a colourful and lively went sequentially but any Monday Club supports a wide range of local the interwar and WorldWar II years. At the Westminster Archive a posterity as a record of the historical canvas representing Victoria Tower members were welcome to answer community groups and clubs that Doreen was extremely supportive 1m x 2m canvas was prepared for life experiences of residents within Gardens was ready to be set aside them. Questions were repeated out provide opportunities for fitness, of the playground refurbishment the children’s artwork. This was Westminster. to dry. The mural showed scenes of loud to ensure all participants had cultural and educational activities. proposals and also the idea of an supported by the volunteer, Margo, Friday 16 March arrived, the children activity and landmark features, both heard them. A transcript of questions The Monday Club meet, as their intergenerational activity with the who was on an internship from and ladies met each other in the within and outside of the gardens and the corresponding answers can name suggests, at the beginning of school. Prior to developing this Boston University – this project basement of the Abbey Centre, taking themselves. Some children created be found as an appendix to the main each week. An enthusiastic and proposal in more detail, the was beginning to take on a truly advantage of spare time beforehand cut-out felt shapes that silhouetted consultation report. Parallels have knowledgeable group of ladies in Consultation Officer gave a bespoke international element! The River to informally meet and chat before children playing games inVTG. also been noted within the main their 70s to 90s regularly arrange PowerPoint presentation to the Thames was sketched in pencil, the painting began. Members of the These were stuck on using PVA glue. body of this report between the and attend outings, organise visiting group. He explained the history of painted dark blue and scattered Monday Club observed the children Whilst the canvas dried, the responses of the ladies in their 70s to speakers and continue to play an the local area and focussed on the with blue glitter then left to dry. as they worked, giving words of group sat together in a large circle 90s and feedback from local children active role in their local community development of VTG in greater A range of card stencils were also advice where appropriate and most and formally introduced themselves. aged seven to nine that took part in at a time in their lives when many detail. The plan was that this might created using enlarged photographs importantly, admiring the attention A well earned drink and biscuits the playground consultation exercise. may think about taking it easy. provide a catalyst to encourage of landmark features visible from club members to take part in the Victoria Tower Gardens. These were interviews. The enthusiasm of the subsequently used by the children club members was overwhelming to ensure areas of the blank canvas and a small but dedicated subgroup remained as silhouette outlines was established. against the colours of a green park and pale blue sky – these colours would be added with care during the event by the children.

Far-left: Canvas decoration in action! Centre and background: 1x2m canvas decorated by the children and Monday Club members Left: Intergenerational session with the Monday Clue and Millbank Primary School 38. 39.

PROJECT WRITE-UP

Pimlico Academy – Year 3 Art Class Background information

INTRODUCTION PLAYGROUND DESIGNS landscape architects may need to APPENDIX 1 APPENDIXII Pimlico Academy is situated a short In order to inspire the students, a consider when creating a final List of events and activities Treasure hunt clue book – see CD bus journey away fromVTG and site visit was felt to be valuable. playground design. Such things as 11 January 2012 3 March 2012 APPENDIXIII specialises in Art and History. The Emily Alleway, Landscape Architect budget, existing planning guidelines and St.Andrew’sYouth Club St.Andrew’sYouth Club Treasure map – see CD academy’s Head of Art, Kate Keogh for The Royal Parks, joined the group restrictions, visual and environmental Introduction to mudlarking Mudlarking session on kindly agreed to engage herYear3 with her design portfolio. The aim of impact assessment of equipment and and history of the RiverThames RiverThames foreshore APPENDIXIV Consultation questionnaire – see CD group with theVTG consultation this was to demonstrate how artistic infrastructure, access and site safety, 26 January 2012 7 March 2012 project. It was felt a design workshop skills can be used in a variety of work provision of facilities, impact of NCT/Pimlico Mums/Baby & Me Local nursery APPENDIXV would provide constructive ideas and settings that at first glance may not existing local conditions eg. shading Introduction to project Consultation survey questionnaire Pimlico project brief – see CD and consultation survey questionnaire feedback for the project while be thought of. and leaf litter from overhanging St.Andrew’sYouth Club APPENDIXVI stimulating the pupils imaginations The students were shown the key mature trees etc. 27 January 2012 Looking at mudlarking finds and discuss Best bits of London – see CD and fine tuning their design skills. sculptural features and they were The end results were a fantastic Millbank Primary School Council history of area and play area encouraged to think about how collection of colourful and inventive Site visit toVictoriaTower Gardens with APPENDIXVII photos and thinking about a mood board 12 March 2012 Dates in history timeline – see CD local landmarks, landscape features designs that were each quite unique. Local nursery – making handprints and key historical elements might The students had clearly used a great 1 February 2012 be incorporated within their final deal of their own creativity and it Tiny Time 16 March 2012 playground designs. How they finally is obvious they paid a great deal of Introduction to project Millbank Primary School Council and and consultation survey questionnaire Abbey Centre Monday Club chose to do this was left up to them. attention on their site visit. They also Intergenerational art activity and interviews They finished their tour at the drew on their background knowledge 10 February 2012 playground, viewing the current play of the area as they made several Millbank Primary School 19 March 2012 Mood board creation at school Public Consultation provision and considering its restrictive references to a wide range of local Survey questionnaire Session 2 and somewhat unimaginative play landmarks, adding these in most 11 February 2012 potential. The students were asked ingenious ways. St.Andrew’sYouth Club 21 March 2012 how they might address some of these Many of their designs were Treasure hunt inVictoriaTower Gardens St. Matthew’s CE Primary School Introductory visit to school limitations while also ensuring the annotated. In order to most effectively 15 February 2012 play equipment was safe, in keeping analyse their thoughts and ideas, these Public Consultation 28 March 2012 with the local area and feasible to annotations have been transcribed to Survey questionnaire – Session 1 St. Matthew’s CE Primary School construct. While in the playground, an active spreadsheet. Each annotation Site visit toVictoriaTower Gardens 21 February 2012 Texture relief rubbings of historical plaques Emily showed the students examples has been allocated a category depend- House of Lords/House of Commons of her artwork.This provoked a ing on its relevance to the final design and Journalists Pancake Day Race 30 March 2012 number of questions relating to the eg. a grounds maintenance element, a Consultation survey questionnaire St. Matthew’s CE Primary School Assembly presentation of artwork nature of the project work in her feature that adds to the overall 23 February 2012 portfolio. Students were particularly infrastructure etc. A version of this Pimlico Academy 12 April 2012 interested to find out how long the spreadsheet is included as an appendix Site visit toVictoriaTower Gardens Public Consultation various pieces of artwork took her in the background information CD. and meetTRP’s Landscape Architect Survey questionnaire Session 3 to complete. To protect identities, only initials are 29 February 2012 25 April 2012 The students were given a four-page given for the pupils’ names. St.Andrew’sYouth Club St. Matthew’s Primary School project brief that provided guidance Two examples of the designs are Briefing for staff and volunteers about Follow activity in school about play and practical elements to consider shown. Although one lacks colour, mudlarking event 16 May 2012 while drawing up their designs. The both show a skilled use of annotation 2 March 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School Above and background: value was in the examples of the many and clear consideration for elements Millbank Primary School Tour of school play area and Student sketch for playground design diverse elements that designers and of the project brief. Preparing questions for site visit toVictoriaTower Gardens intergenerational interviews for school teacher Above: Parliamentary Pancake Race The Royal Parks Rangers’ Lodge Hyde Park London W2 2UH Telephone 0300 061 2000 www.royalparks.org.uk