Crystal Palace Park is my favorite green space in all of London.
So I was delighted to see the report on the BBC that the famous Sphinxes, those wonderful relics from the old Crystal Palace itself, are being restored.
Here's the story via BBC London on Twitter…
Crystal Palace sphinxes get a makeover pic.twitter.com/Oy7ECvNYrC — BBC London Newsroom (@BBCLondonNews) July 8, 2016
I rather liked the Sphinxes when they were decaying, too. They always made me think of the closing scene of Planet of the Apes with Charlton Heston!
The news report adds that the dinosaurs are next in line for a makeover.
The dinosaur statues are one of London's great eccentricities and are also a relic of the Great Exhibition when it was transferred to South London in 1854. They form what can genuinely be called the world's first theme park…
Here's my favorite sign in all of London…
And here's what a four-year-old (my daughter) looks like when she claps eyes on the dinosaurs for the very first time…
… I'd go so far as to say that's what EVERYONE looks like when they first see the dinosaurs.
There are always events going on in Crystal Palace Park including tours – keep up with the news here: http://www.bromley.gov.uk/info/200073/parks_and_open_spaces/780/about_crystal_palace_park
If you'd like a private London Walks tour of Crystal Palace Park with me as your guide, email the office at london@walks.com.
You can visit The Friends of Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs website and help with their ongoing fundraising campaign here: cpdinosaurs.org/visitthedinosaurs
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com