Wimbledon Park could join Rio de Janeiro and the California coastline in a list of hot destinations for beach volleyball fans, if a council plan becomes a reality.

Merton Council officers have suggested bringing the sport to SW19, potentially building a year-round court in the park, in a project to mark this year’s Olympic games.

Sports body Volleyball England has backed the idea, and said it may be able to provide funding to support a new court.

But encouraging players to don the skimpy beachwear famously worn by the sport’s stars could be more difficult.

Even in winter daytime temperatures in Rio de Janeira in Brazil, the traditional home of the sport, barely drop lower than 27C – a temperature rarely reached in Wimbledon.

Other plans for marking August’s games in Merton include projecting the Olympic rings onto the side of the Civic Centre in Morden, while Games-themed banners will hang in every corner of the borough.

Parties, cultural events and a disability sports day are all planned, while the Olympic torch will come through the borough on July 23.

Earlier, events marking the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations will include street parties, tree planting and flaming beacons in Morden Park.

Councillor Martin Whelton, cabinet member for commmunity and culture, said: “It will be an incredibly busy year.”

He stressed the beach volleyball idea was still at the proposal stage, and welcomed the views of residents and park users on whether they would back it.


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