33 award wins for Chelmsford’s playing fields

33 of Chelmsford’s playing fields have been recognised as some of the best in Essex.

Chelmsford City Council received the 33 awards at the 2023 Essex Playing Field Association Awards. The awards acknowledge the quality of the parks and green spaces in the Chelmsford district.

Recognising hard work

In total, the council received 13 gold awards, 11 silver awards and nine certificates of merit.

Melbourne Park Play Area was the overall winner in the ‘Best New and Completed Project’ category. Chelmer Village Green was the runner up in the ‘Playing Fields that are Professionally maintained by larger authorities and Commercial organisations’ category. Chelmer Village Parish Council has a large involvement in maintaining the green so credit for the award must also be shared with them.

The Essex Playing Fields Association Awards

Essex Playing Fields is an Essex charity founded in 1924. It is devoted to the creation, preservation, improvement, and development of playing fields, playgrounds and play areas. It considers local children, young people and those with disabilities to be of a great importance to the charity’s work.

The ceremony for the Essex Playing Field Association Awards awards was held at Chelmsford’s Springfield Cricket Club on Thursday 19 October 2023.

The City Council achieving 33 awards reflects the efforts and hard work of the teams involved in maintaining the playing fields across the district to a high standard.

Councillor Rose Moore is the Cabinet Member for a Greener and Safer Chelmsford. She is thrilled that the council has been recognised for its hard work:

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"Receiving 33 awards is a fantastic achievement and highlights that Chelmsford’s parks and playing fields are of a very high standard. The council’s Parks and Green Spaces team works tirelessly all year round to maintain so many open spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy, and that in turn reflects our goals as a council – towards a greener, fairer and more connected community. Credit must also be given to parish councils and the many local volunteers who care for our green spaces and play areas. We are grateful to the Essex Playing Fields Association for recognising the hard work of everyone involved, and promoting high quality green spaces which contribute so much to our collective wellbeing."

Cllr Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener and Safer Chelmsford

Find out how to visit the award-winning parks and green spaces in Chelmsford at https://loveyourchelmsford.co.uk/green-spaces/find-a-green-space.