A brand new, inclusive play area was officially opened earlier this week at Compass Gardens, South Woodham Ferrers by the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Jude Deakin. The play area is 667 sq. metres – making it the second largest play area in Chelmsford after Hylands Park.

ABOVE: Official opening of Compass Gardens’ play area by Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Jude Deakin and Mayor of South Woodham Ferrers Town, Councillor Murrough O’Brien.

The infant area is suitable for children aged two to six years old, whereas the junior area caters to children aged seven to twelve years old. The play area is designed to be inclusive, providing interactive elements suitable for children of varying abilities.

The area’s surface design and equipment contain a range of exciting games and fun graphics, expanding the number of play features available. The entire surface is covered in rubber surfacing made from recycled truck tyres so children can play safely.

Children Playing in Compass Gardens
ABOVE: Parents and children enjoying the new play area at Compass Gardens

The design was chosen by a public vote posted on the City Council’s social media pages. In total, 166 people, including children, voted.

In her opening speech, Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for Greener and Safer Chelmsford, thanked the Collingwood Pre-School and South Woodham Ferrers Town Council for their help with the public consultation.

She added, “This brand new play area is part of comprehensive improvements across Saltcoats Park and Compass Gardens. We’ve invested in this much-loved area and overflow car park, resurfacing the car park by the Rugby Pavilion, further soft landscaping in Compass Gardens, litter bins, signs, and drainage improvements.”

Above: Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Jude Deakin accompanied by Councillor Murrough O’Brien, Mayor of South Woodham Ferrers Town and Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for Greener and Safer Chelmsford.

For further information on Chelmsford’s parks and green spaces, please visit http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parks.

By Charlotte Maltby

Charlotte writes stories about recycling and waste, parks, economic development, local democracy and planning.

One thought on “New play area unveiled at Compass Gardens”
  1. […] Launched in October last year, this new play area was designed to be inclusive with interactive elements suitable for children of varying ages and abilities. The entire surface of the play area is covered in rubber surfacing made from recycled truck tyres. There are junior and toddler sized equipment with key sensory elements such as spinning, gliding and balancing. This play area is located in South Woodham Ferrers. […]

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