Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf

After a short class trip to Jubilee Park in Canary Wharf I fell in love with it. Although there was not long to explore on first visit I have found myself back there time and time again, even pleasantly pleased when I realise I have missed the next DLR train giving me just a few extra minutes to take in the surprising beauty.

I am not quite sure why the park captured my heart but it has. Maybe because of the memories it conjures of a family trip once taken to Center Parcs where I spent most of my time in the mountainesque swimming pools. Perhaps because it is the contrast of nature in such an unnatural place; amongst the rising buildings almost the redwood equivalent in the city. Even the space it gives people to connect and relax, creating a community in the prevailing business space. Or simply because the combination and arrangement of hard and soft landscaping that my eyes see tell my brain to feel pleasure.

All I know is that every time I walk through of past I see of feel something new. One accidental journey because of train changes and closures meant passing while an art exhibition was in place. At the time only one installation was up, a wire deer lit up from below but this drew me to return with friends. On that night a cube was set up just outside the park which had walls lined with LEDs that reacted to your touch. This created an endless supply of fun (including some interesting photos) and many more memories.

The trees are an interesting choice for London but help further create a feeling of detachment from the city surroundings; a natural oasis in the urban environment. The fountains in the pools help mask the outside sounds helping you again to relax and take a break.

Every time I visit just adds more reason to why I love it. It is also funny to see the business monkeys in such an opposite habitat.