Crowds gathered for a family fun day at new 1.2 million park development.

More than 1,200 people attended celebrations to mark the opening of the new Cheney Row Park in Walthamstow.

The Family Fun Day at the park in Higham Hill, Walthamstow, on Saturday (May 18) featured a giant cake, a pop-up library, a wooden owl sculpture created by a chain saw carver, and music from all-girl band Identity and Last Minute.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest Council and cabinet member for the environment, opened the event.

He said: “This new park is a great facility for people of Higham Hill and the whole borough. I'm delighted with what has been achieved here – the quality and variety of the play equipment is outstanding, there’s outdoor table tennis and climbing walls for teenagers and the whole family can enjoy the wildlife areas too.”

“It’s part of our commitment to creating clean, green and safe neighbourhoods that everyone can enjoy.”

The new park takes the place of a previously unused space that was notorious for dog fouling, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

It now boasts 468 trees as well as a wildflower meadow, a nature-themed play-area for children, an area for teenagers to use with outdoor table tennis.

There are also improvements to the existing BMX track, with further work due later this year, a viewing platform with views towards the Walthamstow Wetlands and reservoirs and an outdoor performance area.

The council urged users to help look after the new park – and to dial 999 if they suspect any problems or anti-social behaviour.

A group, The Friends of Cheney Row Park, has been formed to protect the park.

To find out more about the new park, go to www.walthamforest.gov.uk/CheneyRowPark.