Location: Greenwich World Heritage Site, some 20 minutes outside of central London
Events: Equestrian and the horse riding portion of Modern Pentathlon
Construction: Turned over to the Crown in 1427, so, a long time ago
Acres: 180
Temporary Jumps Installed: 42
Greenwich Park is one of the largest areas of green in London, covering some 180 acres at the World Heritage Site, and site of the Royal Observatory, which marks the location of the prime meridian. It is one of the Royal Parks of London, and was the first such park to be enclosed, in 1433, by James I. So, yes: London has a park 343 years older than America.
Originally given to the Crown in 1427, it has served as the site of the Tudor Palace of Placentia, the Queen's House and Greenwich Hospital, an area for hawking and, in the 16th century, a site for Henry VIII to hunt deer. In present day, the park is open to the public from six in the morning until dusk, year round.
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At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Greenwich Park is hosting the riding portion of Modern Pentathlon, as well as all the events of Equestrian (Dressage, Jumping and Eventing). For the Games, organizers developed temporary structures to host the competitions.
After the Games, the park will resort back to its original state and will continue to be used as a public place.
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