Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Photo Walk

 

The architecture is of Olympic standard.

The silver facades are even more striking against a blue sky backdrop. The ingrained waves in the roof of the Olympic Aquatic Centre seems to mimic the wind and move even though stationary.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit looked ugly when it was first unveiled as the UK’s tallest structure – and it hasn’t got any prettier with time either. It looks like an evil giant helter skelter or a rollercoaster gone horribly wrong in Rollercoaster Tycoon (loved that game as a kid).

The structure is an observational tower so you can venture to the top of the tower and enjoy the views. An adult ticket costs £12 which seemed overpriced to me. As its in the east end of London, the view can’t be that interesting?

Sure you can get a better picture of the Olympic park and it’s venues, but what else? But for an extra fiver you can buy a ticket which allows you unlimited trips up the ArcelorMittal Orbit for a whole year which seems like a much better deal.

Leaving the confusing eyesore that is the ArcelorMittal Orbit and walking towards the Olympic velodrome, you’ll pass over bridges, sculptured gardens and the canal, with odd giant pencils sticking out… Giant pencils aside, it’s a really nice walk and with you back towards the ArcelorMittal Orbit, Olympic Stadium and Aquatic Centre, it does feel like a regular park.

But eventually, you reach something which symbolises the Olympics. The Olympic rings! It’s a bit of a steep climb but worth it I think you’ll agree.

There are reminders here and there that the Olympics took place, but on the whole those looking to recapture and get swept up in thrilling memories with a great Olympic legacy will be disappointed.

Nuggets of info are written on the ground while wind up speakers describe in further detail what milestones took place. Sure, it jogs the memory, but it hardly inspires does it?

I can’t help but feel there should be more photo opportunities around the park. Instagram was made for documenting a walk like this surely!

A winners podium so you can pose like Usain Bolt? A short running track with starting blocks?

It’s a lovely walk, don’t get me wrong. Beautifully landscaped and maintained, it was perfect for relaxing on a hot summers day.

But we should be more proud of our Olympic achievement for more than just the summer it took place. Not only in terms of the most successful Team GB performance since the 1908 Olympics, but putting on a thrilling event and turning naysayers and shoulder-shruggers like myself to join the rest of the nation in ‘taking part’.

The park is perfect for a family day out with the Timber Lodge Cafe serving food and drink, including ice cream, which is also next to the adventure playground, Tumbling Bay for kids.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is just a stones throw away from Stratford’s excellent transport options (Overground, Underground, DLR and bus) plus the Westfield Shopping Centre, so if the crowds get a little too much (is it ever quiet in there?) it’s well worth having a little wander around the paths and green space.

The history of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Pre-Olympic Era

Before its transformation, the area that is now Queen Elizabeth Park was a disused industrial and contaminated wasteland. The site was heavily polluted due to its industrial history, which included railways, factories, and a landfill.

Preparations for the Olympics

When London was awarded the 2012 Summer Olympics, a significant redevelopment effort began. The decision to host the games in Stratford, East London, served as a catalyst for the transformation of the area. The site was cleared, decontaminated, and prepared for the construction of state-of-the-art sports facilities and public spaces.

Post-Olympic Redevelopment

After the conclusion of the Olympics, the site underwent further redevelopment to transform it into a multi-purpose park. This process involved not only preserving the legacy of the games but also creating a sustainable and vibrant public space for the local community.

The London Olympics of 2012

Bidding for the Olympics

London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics was successful, and the city won the right to host the games. The bid emphasized the idea of a sustainable and regenerative Olympics, with the goal of leaving a lasting legacy for the city.

Olympic Park Development

The construction of the Olympic Park was a massive undertaking. Key features included the London Stadium (formerly the Olympic Stadium), the Aquatics Centre, the Copper Box Arena, and the Velodrome. These state-of-the-art venues were designed not only for the games but with the park’s future in mind.

Olympic Games and Legacy

The 2012 London Olympics were a resounding success, showcasing the world-class sporting facilities and celebrating the spirit of the games. But equally important was the legacy of the Olympics, which included the transformation of the Olympic Park into Queen Elizabeth Park, a symbol of urban renewal and sustainability.

Design and Features of Queen Elizabeth Park

The ArcelorMittal Orbit

One of the park’s most distinctive features is the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a striking observation tower designed by artist Anish Kapoor. The tower offers panoramic views of London and has become an iconic symbol of the park.

Aquatics Centre

The Aquatics Centre, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, is an architectural masterpiece with its sweeping roof and innovative design. It houses two 50-meter swimming pools and a diving pool, making it a key venue for swimming and diving events.

The Copper Box Arena

The Copper Box Arena is a versatile indoor arena that hosted handball and modern pentathlon events during the Olympics. It continues to serve as a venue for various sporting events and activities.

The London Stadium

The London Stadium, previously the Olympic Stadium, is the centerpiece of Queen Elizabeth Park. It is home to West Ham United Football Club and hosts a variety of events, including athletics, concerts, and other sports.