Coram's Fields – in Bloomsbury between Holborn and King’s Cross - is a seven acre playground and park for children and young people living in or visiting London that is owned and managed by a charity.
The park is open all year round from 9am until dusk and is free and open to children and young people under 16. No adult can enter Coram's Fields without a child – it was reassuring that this is monitored (there is only one entrance and the office is by the gate) as I was challenged when I tried to enter and was then shown around by a friendly member of staff.
As well as lots of green and paved space there are several climbing frame and equipment areas (slides, flying fox) – each designed to cater for a different age group. There’s a sand pit and, in the summer, a paddling pool. There’s even drop in sessions with soft play areas – 10am to 12pm for under threes and 1pm to 4pm for under-fives. There’s even a youth centre for older children.
There’s a City farm with a variety of animals including goats and rabbits and local business group In Midtown recently provided facilities for chickens. And there are three astro turf pitches as well as sports clubs for different ages including hockey and tag rugby.
There’s a café providing refreshments and meals and special children's toilets and nappy changing facilities.
There are some facilities where there is a charge – for example, a community nursery and an after school club. The halls there are used for Brownie and Guide meetings and some sports activities and are available for hire.
While some might feel that the facilities look a little tired, the space and facilities must be cherished by local parents and their children. And there is currently a Masterplan for a major redevelopment costing £7m so it will get a major makeover soon.
http://www.coramsfields.org/
