The rejuvenated Gallions Park ball court was unveiled last Thursday ahead of the summer holidays. It follows a refurbishment carried out by Peabody in partnership with Baylis Landscapes and landscape architects Turkington Martin.
The ball court has been resurfaced, with new basketball hoops and football goals installed. Higher fencing – requested by young people to help keep balls in the court – has been added in key locations, with lower fencing to make the court more inviting in other places. New seating has also been added around the court.
Local children got the chance to try out their new equipment under the guidance of a professional basketball coach.
Sue Forsyth, Peabody’s Project Manager for Landscape in Thamesmead, said: "It was wonderful to see local children gather to enjoy the improvements we've made to the ball court. The event was also an opportunity to thank residents for their patience while the work was being carried out."
The celebration also included an art workshop. Youngsters worked with architecture and design studio make:good to design a colourful mural that will decorate the asphalt court.
Lisa Drew, Peabody’s Senior Cultural Programme Manager in Thamesmead, said: "Young people in West Thamesmead have given us some wonderful ideas of how they'd like to see colourful, inspiring artwork used in the ball court. Once the summer holidays are over, we'll get to work on bringing their vision for the space to life."
The project is the latest in a series of improvements to play areas completed by Peabody in Thamesmead. Other examples include the revamped ball court at Fairway Drive, Cygnet Square play area, Broadwater Green play space and The Cage in Wolvercote Road.
