Strawberry Woods was officially opened by the Mayor of Richmond on Friday 15 July 2016, as Stanley Primary and St James’ schools took advantage of the new wild woodland play area.

Between Teddington and Fulwell, Strawberry Woods is new play park built on a piece of land which was historically a gravel extraction site and more recently an overgrown wasteland unused and inaccessible for years. Pupils from nearby Stanley Primary School and St James’ Catholic Primary School, as well as the local family centre attended and all those involved in the design and installation.

St James’ student, Samuel Bell, won the name the park competition with his winning entry of “Strawberry Woods”.

The Council’s award-winning parks team designed the £100k natural woodland play area which includes a trim trail, numerous climbing features, sand pit and an outdoor classroom with educational play features, which local schools will be able to take advantage of.

The play area is adjacent to the site of a proposed brand new mixed martial arts centre which will be built on the former Territorial Army Site in Stanley Road – by Strawberry Hill Golf course.

Richmond Mayor, Cllr David Linnette, cut the ribbon to officially open the park and said:

“This is a fantastic project and sees an old unused waste land brought back into life for the local schools and community. It looks great, and I’ve no doubt it is going to get plenty of use. Well done to everyone involved.”

Source: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/kids_delight_as_new_wild_woodland_play_area_opens