They have a huge one at Drusilla's Zoo, set into the gound, so that you can't possibly fall off it. It was brilliant!!!

No...let's have both.

You just cant do without baby/toddler swings I'm afraid. They are the only piece of equipment that can be used by babies from about the age of 9 months until they get a bit more mobile and adventurous. Even now my son is 3 he gravitates towards the swings over other stuff as they dont need kids to have a great sense of balance or adventure (both of which he lacks).

Agreed; swings are one of the first things that children use and the only one that they can use safely for some time. They are therefore a necessity and given the number of young children in FH I would like some assurances that new swings will be installed very shortly as it is not acceptable for these to have been removed and something else installed in their place, particularly as the alternative is effectively not going to see much use until the spring whereas swings can be used all year long.

I would also like to know what is being done to deal with the dog problem in this area to protect children from dog waste. Signs are no good as dogs can't read! Either there needs to be a separate fenced off dog walking area on the grassy slope or they need to be banned altogether which is probably impractical. I look forward to hearing the councils proposals in this respect.

Trampoline far too dangerous and would need an attendant - which aint gonna happen mate.

Drusilla's one wasn't specifically supervised.....

Yes but Drusilla's is a closed environment. You can imagine the local 'Yoof' in there at night. It would be totally wrecked in no time.

Fair point, bt. On the other hand, don't they lock the parks overnight? I suspect you're right, people would still get in...

Good news about the swings!
My partner emailed Lewisham about the proposals and particularly about the loss of the swings. The new sand area looks great but swings are important too!

They said:

"Thanks you for your email regarding Horniman Triangle.

The new climbing rocks are the first of a number of planned works to re-invigorate the children's playground. We will shortly be demolishing the lower building and transforming the pool area into a sand pit with play equipment.

We are also conscious that swings are still popular and will be looking to replace swings later this year.

It is also the intention to re-open the kiosk in the upper building and we will be looking to add public toilets."

I really hope it will all be well used and looked after.

Breaking News:
Coffee is now being served in the Horniman Triangle play park.

michael

Is this proper coffee ( latte etc ) or just instant.

Is access only for this with children.

I got in without any children, but adults are not allowed to play on the equipment

They do have a proper coffee machine and also do burgers, sandwiches, and other stuff.

Thanks
There used to be a sign up saying no unaccompanied adults.

We went up there today . To be honest I was expecting some sort of shack with polystyrene cups but its a proper outdoor cafe with lattes, real china and nice friendly staff- a real surprise! My only criticism is that the cafe is a little far away from the main play area so hard to keep an eye on the kids and have a coffee at the same time - but then there it means its pretty peaceful.

The new play area is also looking good albeit not finished yet. I would imagine that there will be plenty of opportunity for adults to go on the climbing frame after the kids have gone to bed, Michael, so don't be too despondent just yet.

Anyone know what the plans are for the building at the bottom of the park?

It's due to be demolished, as in the message posted by Satchers above.

Best
Philip
cllr_philip.peake@lewisham.gov.uk

Hi its Jeff & Carole from The Lodge Coffee Shop, realy want to thank you for your kind words and support, just to keep you posted the building at the bottom of the park is to be pulled down, Im glad you have enjoyed the good coffee & very friendy staff.

We are looking forward to the plans to involve the out side of the coffee house ie, new patio more seating and the intorduction of more plants and trees.

Once again many thank's and please give any feed back on what we are doing good or bad.

Jeff

I tried out the new cafe on Saturday. Cappuccino tasted good as did the huge cinamon pastry that came with it for a total of about ?2.10. Great to see the cafe open. I do wish it every success.

To Jeff and Carole,
Really good news to hear about your new coffee and sandwich bar in the Triangle. You now need to make sure you are well advertised to ensure people know you exist! I'm sure people would stroll over to the Triangle for refreshments if they are aware of you. Good luck.

Hi Coffee Lodge I drove past today and noticed your bright new signs desplaying to the South Circular! Will pop down at weekend for noisy and hot drink so good luck with new venture

We checked out the Coffee Lodge on Sunday: lovely sandwiches (and very reasonably priced, too); cheerful, friendly staff; box of toys for the kids to play with; great place to sit and catch some rays (there were some yesterday ). All in all, FAB to have a cafe - and a really nice cafe - back in the Triangle!

Sounds great addition to Forest Hill. Very positive.
Are they open 7 days a week , does someone please know their opening hours ? Very much appreciated.