It has been a difficult year for Londoners, one we’ll never forget. But as life is slowly returning to normal, we want people to continue to enjoy Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. As it has been throughout the long months of the pandemic, the parkland is open and free for everyone to use and enjoy.

This Friday sees the reopening of the ArcelorMittal Orbit and Slide. It’s a great opportunity, after spending so long confined at home, to take in the amazing views across London and see how the park has been changing and with all the Covid-secure measures to keep you safe. Thrill-seekers can top off the visit with a ride on the world’s longest tunnel slide.

Newham Recorder: Mark Camley, executive director of park operations and venues, LLDC says the QEOP is openMark Camley, executive director of park operations and venues, LLDC says the QEOP is open (Image: LLDC)

All the park’s venues are now open, so you can enjoy a swim or use the gym at the London Aquatics Centre and Copper Box Arena. London Stadium will welcome 10,000 fans back for West Ham’s last game of the season as well as staging its popular tours of the iconic venue.

Hackney Bridge is a new addition to the park, a canal-side work, event and public space. The Spring in the Courtyard pop-up, with local street food traders and a bar, is serving up food and drinks and proving very popular.

As the lockdown restrictions continue to ease we are looking forward to the attraction growing with local businesses joining, a street food market hall, bars, restaurants and events space alongside markets and a community garden.

A quieter and more reflective space has been created at the London Blossom Garden in the north of the park. It’s a living memorial to those who have lost their lives or were affected by Covid-19 and to recognise the courage of our city’s key workers.

It’s a green space designed to be contemplative, where you can spend time quietly remembering and reflecting on your own personal experiences of the pandemic.

The garden has been created by the mayor of London and the National Trust with support from Bloomberg and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. You can find out more at london.gov.uk/blossom.