The Biodiversity Playground, Stratford, London
This latest review takes us to Stratford, London and is one I have been wanting to do for a long time, and I finally got my chance! Each year we go and see the relatives in London and this playground is one of our favourite places to go on this trip. Well the girls love the playground and I love Stratford, Westfield, so everyone is happy.
Age Group
Aimed at all ages
Getting there and parking
Playground is located right in between Stratford Westfield and Stratford International Station, so well served by tube, train and bus. If you come by tube, you could jump on the DLR for one stop which is just on the other side of Stratford International and a much shorter and less crowded walk.
Equipment
The pond inspired playground is built with mostly wooden equipment, and very pretty to look at.
Giant fish shaped structure containing walkway to a high / fast slide, with climbing rock climbing grips on the outside.
Lily pad and leaf shaped wooden platforms, some with solid fixings and some bouncy.
Small wooden frog structure, with an enclosed ladder leading to a small slide.
Tilted wooden dragonfly with rock climbing grips.
Two wooden ships, one has a slide to the ground and the other has a tiny ‘bridge’ where kids can hide.
Curved wooden bridge (doesn’t go over anything, just the ground)
Activity walls (see photos)
Watch Out For
I won’t lie, if your child likes hiding from you, this place will be your worst nightmare. There are so many places you could lose your child here, which is unexpected for such a small park.
This is a small playground aimed at all ages, that translates as supervise your children closely. I won’t point out the hazards, as there are many that could affect younger children, but as long as they are being supervised, they will be fine.
There are two gates which should swing shut, but at least one was not doing so on my visit and one child kept trying to make a bid for freedom.
Shading
I was so happy it didn’t rain whilst we were there, that I forgot to work out what the shade issues might be like on a sunny day. If anyone can tell me, please drop me an email.
Toilets
The nearest loos are less than a minute away, just inside the entrance of Stratford International.
Picnic Areas
There are a number of benches (8 approx), where you can sit and have a coffee or any food you have brought with you. But this is Westfield, Stratford where there are a million places to buy food. If you prefer a big open space and a sit down picnic, then you would be better suited to visiting Queen Elizabeth Park, which isn’t too far away.
Coffee
Yes, lots of choice in the shopping centre.
The View and Atmosphere
The view is mostly buildings. You are surrounded by the car park, Stratford International and Westfield shopping centre. I think it’s pretty interesting and makes a change from fields and old buildings which we normally see but definitely not a destination for the nature hunters despite the name.
Unfortunately the name ‘Biodiversity Playground’ seems only to refer to the design of the equipment, and maybe rather optimistically - the inclusion of wall planters. The name makes you think this would be a great opportunity for an urban biodiversity project for the local children.
Insider’s View
The Biodiversity is quite an interesting playground and includes fun, challenging equipment the kids will enjoy. However, it is in a really busy location and you need to weigh up if you want to be here, just for a playground, especially as younger kids will need close supervision (the kind which means you follow them around everywhere).
This playground is perfectly placed as a run around stop…
We come here on every Stratford trip to see the grandparents, we came here before we took the train to Dungeness in Kent, and we come here to meet friends.
However if you are passing by, your kids will love it. And you will love the coffee choices.
