The largest of London’s Royal Parks, Hyde Park has been open to the public since 1637.
The park is home to a number of grassroots sports clubs, including the Serpentine Swimming Club, and regularly hosts major sports events – including the London stage of the annual ITU World Triathlon Series.
During the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Marathon Swimming 10km and the swimming element of the Triathlon will take place in the park’s famous Serpentine Lake.
The design and build
For the London 2012 Triathlon, temporary seats will be installed and the course marked out in June. London 2012 is working with The Royal Parks to minimise the impact of events to the park and its visitors.
After the Games
London 2012 will ensure that the park is left in the same condition that it was received. The grandstand and course will be removed, and the park will continue to be used for a wide range of recreational and leisure activities.
Hyde Park is also hosting a range of music, theatre, film and cultural events throughout the summer of 2012.
The Serpentine Lake has hosted a 100-yard (91.4-metre) swimming race every Christmas morning since 1864. Known as the Peter Pan Cup, it is only open to members of the Serpentine Swimming Club.
The park covers more than 350 acres and contains more than 4,000 trees.
