There are many varied views on the future of Crystal Palace Park.
The LDA have made their presentation and the "Rebuild the Crystal Palace " proposal is not without merit either. Here are some thoughts on the matter from one of our members:-

Reflections on Parkland:

Among the many parks my family and I appreciate in South London is perhaps the one we feel most affinity with, namely Crystal Palace Park, still within walking distance of where we live, our road being sited on the border of Thornton Heath and Upper Norwood. This patch of historic parkland, situated on Metropolitan Open Land, boasts a Grade 2 Star Registered status, and serves the inhabitants of not only five local boroughs, including our own, but also those of all the boroughs throughout Greater London, and beyond. Many readers will have much longer associations with, and memories of, this famous landmark; and we would all have our own thoughts about its past, present and future. We offer some reflections, at a time of possible change, in a rapidly changing urban environment.

Our first encounters with Crystal Palace Park date back to February, 1981, when we found ourselves living in a cold, damp, one-bedroomed, basement flat in Camden Hill Road, off Gipsy Hill. Apart from visits to The Triangle, the Library, Christ Church (Gipsy Hill), the playschool at Central Hill Estate Community Centre, Dulwich Park and the Horniman Museum/Gardens, our favourite destination soon became our local Park. Easy access on foot, as well as public transport or the car, if we felt the need, made the Park a place in which to seek relaxation, whenever we had some spare time. How we loved our walks, our picnics, our playtime (with our 4-year-old daughter), our visits to see the animals, reptiles and birds at the zoo, and the delightful dinosaurs. Swimming at the Sports Centre, rides on the playground swings and roundabouts, tea or ice-cream at the Cafe, history at the Museum, funfairs, flamingos, music, maze......all these, and much else besides, had their magic. All our friends, from near and far, shared our love of the Park.

Twenty-seven years later, the scene has changed here and there; the Park has continued to evolve. Our fervent hopes are that this fabulous stretch of parkland can retain many of its endearing features, and regain some of those which it has lost. Ultimately, it is not for one family to decide on the Park's future. However, we sincerely wish that, for the sake of the health and well-being of all urban dwellers, Crystal Palace Park can retain as much of its grass, trees, shrubs, water features and wildlife as possible, without conceding any ground to commercial or built encroachment within its boundaries. Parkland is more precious than it has ever been. Parliamentary recognition of its importance should be sought as a matter of urgency. Only then can we be confident that our good fortune can be passed on to future generations of park-lovers.

Richard Francis,