Greenwich Park Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Greenwich Park - Article Example This has naturally raised a controversy and objections against the events being held in the park are increasing day by day. The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the public and other groups have conflicting opinions regarding this. The LOCOG maintains that the park will be left relatively undamaged and will be restored to its original condition as much as possible, while the public, environmental groups, residents of the village, visitors to the park and even certain sports bodies, raise the objection that irrevocable damage will be done to the part if those events are held there. This paper is a review of the park in its existing glory and the impact that the Olympic events will have on the park. In the process, published literature on the issue will be reviewed and a survey conducted among the students who enjoy facilities of the park. The views of the LOCOG will also be taken into consideration for understanding their standpoint. The final section will b e an opinion regarding the costs, impacts and benefits, if any, that will accrue if the events are held in Greenwich Park. The history of the park, the facilities available, and other relevant information regarding the park will also be reviewed here. History of Greenwich Park: The site on which the park is located has been inhabited right from the Roman periods and some remnants bearing testimony to this have been excavated from this site by archaeologists over a period of time. The land on which the park is situated was inherited by the then Duke of Gloucester, Humphrey in 1427. He enclosed the area with a fence and also built an observatory tower. After his death, his sister-in-law (wife of Henry VI) seized the land for herself. "Greenwich Park was popular with the Tudors. King Henry VII rebuilt the manor house to make the Palace of Placentia - or Greenwich Palace." (Greenwich Park - The Royal Gateway. 2009). Henry the VIII of England introduced deer on to this beautiful hillock overlooking the Thames River in 1515. Henry and also his two daughters were born in Greenwich Village which bore the name of Placentia at that time. Trees and flowering plants were planted in French Landscape Design during the 1600s and some of those trees still stand today. Quee n Anne had a house built in the park which is now called Queen's House. The iconic landmark of the park, namely the Royal Observatory was built under the orders of Charles II who was an avid lover of astronomy and science. It was built under the aegis of the Royal Society and was named Flamsteed House to honour England's first Royal astronomer. The building stands on the Greenwich or Prime Meridian which technically divides the earth into east and west. The park suffered some damage during the World War II, but was subsequently restored to its original glory. The whole of Greenwich along with Greenwich Park is now a World Heritage Site as designated by the United Nations. The size of this Royal Park is a little more than 180 acres. The place is an extremely popular spot with the locals, tourists, and students as it offers many facilities for sport, enjoyment, and leisure. Facilities at the park at present: The word present is used here since it is not very clear as to