It is five months since residents fought off Greenwich Council’s plans to close Maryon Wilson Animal Park – now the gates are being thrown open this weekend so locals can see what all the fuss was about.

More than 10,000 people signed a petition against the proposal, forcing the cash-strapped council to withdraw its plans, which it said would have saved £60,000.

But a question mark still hangs over the park’s long-term future. Members of the Friends of Maryon and Maryon Wilson Parks will be on hand to talk about the future and how to mark the park’s centenary next year. 

The event, to be held on Saturday between 10am and 2pm, will give families and children the chance to meet the goats, pigs and horses, and watch the sheep being sheared. There will also be a storytime by the pond, and food and ice cream will be on offer. 

As well as the Friends group, visitors will also be able to meet members of the Riding for the Disabled Association, which keeps its horses in the park.

Visitors will also be able to try their hand at willow craft with Creative Nature and find out more about Gilbert’s Pit, the nearby nature reserve and site of special scientific interest, with the London Geological Society.

Gary Dark of the Friends of Maryon and Maryon Wilson Parks said: “The animal park celebrates its centenary next year. The Friends want borough residents to have a say in how we should mark this special year, so put your thinking hats on and come to talk to us on Saturday.”

The annual Maryon Wilson Animal Park Open Day will run from 10am to 2pm on Saturday. It coincides with the Thorntree School summer fair across the road, which will take place from noon to 3pm. 

• A separate event, Summer in the Park, will be taking place at Maryon Park, across the road from the animal park, on Sunday June 29 from 1pm to 6pm. It will feature music, dancing, football coaching from Charlton Athletic and tennis coaching.

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