TWO green spaces have been merged to create a large new park to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.


Waltham Forest Council has spent £2 million to improve facilities at the 35-acre site incorporating Ive Farm and Marsh Lane Playing Fields in Leyton.
 

Six new football pitches, changing rooms and a children's play area are being created.

 

A new walkway is in place over Dagenham Brook, while wildflowers have also been planted in some areas.
 

Further improvements to the nature reserve, as well as a river walk and more sports facilities, are planned in the next 12 months.
 

Park users have welcomed the investment.
 

Ibrahim Siddique, 25, of Ive Farm Lane, who visits the site with his family every weekend, said: "I think it's a fantastic idea, it will bring a lot of improvement to the area.
 

"We love going to the park so it's brilliant to know we will have more to do there."
 

Louise Brooker, 48, of Tupelo Road, added: "At the moment it all looks quite good. It's exciting.
 

"But the main emphasis is still on football and I would love to see them doing more with the athletics track on Ive Farm, which is derelict.
 

"It's an Olympic year so it's a great time to encourage children to do athletics."
 

The council is currently in talks with various potential funders for a new visitor's centre.
 

The park will be officially opened on August 29.