3rd February 2026
£300,000 upgrade to children’s playgrounds begins at Essex Country Parks |
| Sand pits, climbing forests and agility trails are all planned as part of the county council’s investment.
Construction has begun today (2 February) on one of three children’s play areas in Essex Country Parks following investment by Essex County Council. Working with Kompan UK, the playground equipment supplier, the £335,000 from the council’s capital programme will see the much-loved play trail at Great Notley Country Park receive new and improved play equipment from spring 2026. This will include:
The investment also covers new safety and surfacing features at Hadleigh Country Park, where works have begun today, and Belhus Woods Country Park. The improvements are designed to stimulate children’s imaginative play, improve communication skills, strengthen muscles and co-ordination and help burn off energy. Closures and diversions will be in place at the three country parks while the improvements are underway. Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture at Essex County Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to invest in the play areas at these much-loved country parks, which every year provide young families with an affordable day out. “Outdoor play itself is vital for children’s wellbeing. It provides physical health benefits like improved fitness and stronger immune systems as well as mental health benefits, including better mood, social skills, resilience and natural world connections. “We hope more children continue to enjoy the outdoor play at Essex Country Parks in the future.” ENDS Click the below thumbnails to download the full-size images: Captions: Concept art of the new sand pit and climbing forest areas at Great Notley Country Park. For illustrative purposes only. For more information contact Emma Williams, Marketing and Communications Lead, Emma.Williams@essex.gov.uk or Christopher Davies, Marketing and Communications Officer, Christopher.Davies@Essex.gov.uk About Explore Essex Explore Essex brings together a unique group of Country Parks and heritage venues which are owned by Essex County Council. Its mission is to deliver a broad range of exciting facilities and activities for the people of Essex with an emphasis on culture, heritage and environment. www.explore-essex.com |