London, Jun21: Russia is taking over Kensington Gardens during the London Olympics to promote the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.
Russian officials say the 6,000-square-meter (64,000-square-foot) Sochi Park—including an ice rink—will be located in front of the Albert Memorial.
Sochi organizers described the site Thursday as “a winter wonderland in the middle of a London summer.” The rink will host an ice show starring several Russian Olympic and world champion skaters.
The Russians previously sought to set up their Sochi pavilion at Marble Arch, but that plan was rejected amid security and traffic concerns.
The Russians Olympic Committee will have a 10,000-square-meter (107,000-square-foot) hospitality center in Perks Field. Adjacent to Kensington Palace, the site is used by the royal family as a sports field and helicopter park.
