London Olympics: Greenwich Park

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Events: Jumping, Dressage and Eventing (Equestrian events), Paralympic Equestrian, Modern Pentathlon (Riding and Combined Event)

Transforming the capital's oldest Royal Park into a temporary Olympic venue has not been the smoothest of rides - although Greenwich Park looks to be on course after a successful Test Event in May 2011. On paper it is a superb venue: located on the south bank of the Thames, its hillside location offers some truly spectacular views across to Canary Wharf and central London. But it was a controversial choice with locals, who fear what the combined effect the temporary structures, sand, railings and tractors will have on the World Heritage Site. A high profile campaign group called Nogoe - No to Greenwich Park Olympic Equestrian Events - is headed by the historian David Starkey; Windsor Castle, with its experience of hosting such events, would be better suited for the Olympics, they say.  A year ahead of the Games, LOCOG are still deep in talks with local residents about the plans - but the Test Event was promising. For the Games, spectators will pack a temporary raised arena (which has been built on stilts to counteract the sloping ground below without the need for digging) set behind the National Maritime Museum and the elegant colonnades of the Old Royal Naval College. With such a beautiful backdrop, you can see why organisers are bent on using the former royal hunting ground as an Olympic venue. As an advert for London, you can hardly do any better.
 

London Olympics: Greenwich Park  

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