Storybook Gardens
London decided to open its first child-focused attraction on June 25, 1958. Storybook Gardens, located in Springbank Park was meant to be a children’s park based on popular nursey rhythms and stories. The outside castle façade welcomed families into this enchanting park that was styled with statues from famous fairy tales. Farm and zoo animals including flamingos and sea lions lived in the park and drew crowds of enthusiastic children.
The most famous resident of Storybook Gardens in the early years was a California sea lion named Slippery, who lived up to his name when he escaped the park enclosure on June 18, 1958. Slippery allegedly got into the Thames River and swam 400 km in ten days. He was captured in Sandusky, Ohio and brought to the Toledo Zoo before being sent back to London. While it was an interesting story, some people believe that it was a publicity stunt. Slippery lived his life at Storybook Gardens. When he passed in 1967 a memorial was put up in the park.
Storybook Gardens has been renovated several times over the course of its history. On June 6, 1998, the new Springbank Express train outside the gates replaced the Springbank Flyer which had been running since 1920. In 2003, there was a year-long refurbishment including adding skating facilities making the park a year-long attraction. In 2012 the animals were all officially retired and sent to other zoos and habitats.
Storybook Gardens continues to operate as a kid-friendly attraction with rides, skating facilities, and events for the whole family.