Thames Barrier Park

Thames Barrier park is located on the northern bank of the River Thames adjacent to the Thames Barrier (as the name would suggest). The site was designed by French Landscape Architect Alain Provost of Groupe Signes in partnership with ARUP. The site was previously occupied by heavy industry leaving issues of contamination to be dealt with in the design.
The park despite being located away from the centre of the city could not be easier to reach. Pontoon Dock DLR station overlooks the park which is at it's footsteps, making the space easilly accessible from both the city and other areas of the Docklands.
The central feature of the park is a former dock which runs through it's heart at a lower level than the surrounding land. This has been beautifully planted with waving hedges and a variety of foliage- although there is limited access to this lower level it is well worth a visit. The park seems to be split into two sections above this area with bridges spanning across the lower dock. Many of these higher areas are left unmown as a meadow of long grass, together with the contrast of the short grassy paths and trees this works very well and keeps a natural feel to the area which could otherwise give an overal impression of being filled with concrete angles.
The architectual elements of the site work well also, there is a structure providing some shelter next to the water front as well as a cafe centrally located within the park. It's structure seems to float above it's nearby grassy areas, though is rather less attractive after closing when heavy roller-shutters cover it's glass facards. It is a sad fact too that the park has to be designed to minimalise vandalisim in such ways- the signs indicating the the wiring in the fences has no scrap value make an unsightly reminder of the atmosphere or much of the land away from this oasis of peace.
As a general overview I rate this site very highly, it is interesting, generally well maintained and a good size to wander around and spend leisure time in (though the provision of a few more benches would not hurt).
One final note should be made of the sorry state of affairs at the water feature of fountains which people could play in- if they were not fenced off and labled as 'closed for the season due to vandalism'- it is unclear if this is the current season or the previous one!
The best way to experience this park is to visit it- you will not be dissapointed.