Blackheath and Sydenham to get 'pocket parks' (From News Shopper)

Blackheath and Sydenham to get 'pocket parks'

11:24am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News By Sarah Trotter

TWO 'pocket parks' are coming to Blackheath and Sydenham in a £67,000 bid to transform underused urban spaces into mini oases.

Work has begun in Lewisham as part of the Mayor of London’s capital-wide scheme to reinvent small spaces – the size of a tennis court – and will be rolled out by March 2015.

Blackheath Eliot Pits will boast sensory equipment, a Trim Trail adventure, and a play space to educate children about the pits’ ecological importance.

While Sydenham Literary Piazza will offer a space to sit, read and reflect, as well as linking Sydenham Road with Home Park to encourage cycling.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said: “London is already an incredible place to live, but by making the most of our small forgotten outdoor spaces and providing trees, greenery and meeting places the fantastic quality of life here can still be improved upon.

“Through these mini transformations we can make Lewisham an even better place to live in, to work in and to invest in.”

There will be 100 pocket parks across the capital as part of the £2m scheme.