Boating Lake
The boating lake and it’s setting within the northern
quarter of Greenwich Park was the subject of a Feasibility
Study in 2015. The boating lake was built circa 1930 and
is currently leaking water at an unacceptable level despite
recent repairs. The lake is formed by a large, kidneyshaped concrete bowl which is drained in colder months,
lying empty for several months of the year.
One of the possible options seeks to implement a
more sinuous decking layout that maximises the area
available for boating but includes a small area for a more
naturalistic pond. Wetland planting is also included
within the boating lake area and protected from damage
by boats with timber vertical bollards. The boating kiosk
is relocated to the opposite side of the lake, underneath
the large Plane tree, and is situated in the water with a
drawbridge system. Additional clumps of tree planting to
the south of the lake helps create a sense of enclosure and
improves the setting of the lake.
Resurface
entrance area
removal of sundial
combination of timber
and macadam paths to
perimeter of lake with areas
of decking for viewing and
Seating
seating integrated into
decking areas
Boating lake
Kiosk
Floating kiosk
accessed across tje
water via a drawbridge
1916 Ordnance Survey Map
The hydrology proposals are key to the long-term
sustainability of the boating lake, and the intention is
to keep the water level topped up with water from the
borehole in the south of the Park, supplemented with the
existing mains fed system when required.
Pond dipping
Natural
pond
Meadow grass
additional clumps of tree planting to help
contain the boating lake and focus views in
the direction of the historical diagonal path
1952 Ordnance Survey Map, showing lake and playground extent
Sketch Plan
Boardwalk
‘The Boating Pool’, Greenwich Park 1940
© The Royal Parks
Additional tree
planting
Decking footpath
Boating lake
Existing Plane
tree
‘Floating kiosk’
Example of the smaller boating lake pedalos at Greenwich Park,
circa 1950
1967-71 Ordnance Survey Map, showing lake and playground extent
Greenwich Park Revealed
The past, the present and the future
Sketch Section showing proposals
Example of a ‘floating’ kiosk installed at Dulwich Park, by Rees Bolter
Architects