We joined the grandchildren at a most unlikely open space over the weekend. Anyone who's driven into or out of London along the A40 will have noticed 4 huge mounds; indeed I recall them appearing and feeling they must be destined to be a fancy dry-ski complex but no, the mounds form the backdrop to a really lovely park and wetlands area which is very family and child friendly and makes a lovely open space close into town.
Apparently the mounds were created from the waste produced during the building of Wembley stadium and part of their function is to shield the park from the noise of the heavy traffic on the A40. But, of course, they provide some fun in themselvees, particularly nowadays when Fireman Sam is all the rage, and little kids grow up knowing all about PontyPandy Mountain!
So our little ones delighted in being able to scramble up the sides of these big slopes while Grandpa and I walked sedately up the gentle path that wends its way around the biggest hill. It was well worth it a the view over London from the top is spectacular: we could see all the way to Canary Wharf and even the Crystal Palace.
Back down below, there are some lovely ponds with viewing platforms for spotting birds and fish – and, fortunately, no great emphasis on health and safety, so no big barriers in the way to spoil your fun. Apparently there's fishing, and I guess later in the year even boating, but for a windy Saturday in April, the grandchildren were more than happy playing on the wooden climbing frames, slides and pirate ship.
It was great to see waste put to such good use for the enjoyment of the community – and I shall defnitely be adding this post to our section on ideas for places to go and days out for the family in the Tips section.
