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Play in the Park is bigger than ever for Easter 2023

Five Children Are Playing Together Outside, Smiling And Laughing. Four Are Holding Hands To Create An Arch And The Fifth Child Is Crouched Down Running Through The Arch.

Play in the Park is back! This Easter, children aged 3-11 are invited to join our amazing team of ‘playworkers’ for free two-hour sessions, during which they will create, play and take part in fun sports, games and craft activities. 

We’ve seen a big increase in attendance to Play in the Park over recent years – with 6,500 children coming to our Summer 2022 sessions – and we hope to cater to even more this year!

Children Are Seen Racing A Playworker Dressed As A Tiger On An Outdoor Running Track. Image From Last Year's Play In The Park

What is Play in the Park?

The two-hour sessions will run for children throughout Chelmsford from 4-14 April. There are fourteen sessions available across seven different venues in Chelmsford and Great Leighs.

Play in the Park exists to provide free activities for children during their school holidays, helping them make the most of their free time with the chance to play and create, and maybe socialise with other kids, too.

What to expect from Play in the Park

Play in the Park is suitable for everyone, including those with accessibility needs, and runs across multiple community venues in Chelmsford district – so you can find a session in a location that suits you.

Our Community Sport and Wellbeing team’s trusted playworkers run the programme, which encourages your children to take part in fun sports, games and craft activities.  Some sessions feature additional activities such as inflatables, face painting and even a circus skills workshop!  You can find all the details and book your child or children’s spaces online.

Close Up A Child's Hands Holding Up Brightly Coloured Kinetic Sand

Looking forward to doing it all again

Parents attending previous Play in the Parks have given us wonderful feedback:

“Thank you to your friendly and helpful staff for ensuring my little football team of boys have lots of memories. My four-year-old said to me “mummy that was the most fun day ever, thank you” and this has warmed my heart.”

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the events you put on! Having four under seven, days out can be quite pricey in today’s world. However, your events have been amazing and have already created laughter, smiles and memories. For me, this is what life is all about.“

“My boys love all the extra activities. We held reptiles, made slime, had a go at parkour, ran an inflatable assault course (many times), played a HUGE snakes and ladders game, and took part in numerous activities run by the playworkers. Thank you so much for a fab summer, we look forward to doing it all again next year.”

Free activities for Chelmsford children

Councillor Ann Davidson, Cabinet Deputy for Healthy Living, is also pleased to see Play in the Park returning for residents.

"I’m thrilled to see so many residents making use of Play in the Park! Taking part in activities like these during the school breaks is wonderful for the children of Chelmsford and, during these times especially, having free options available for parents is invaluable. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who are working hard to continue to provide free and fun options for the community."

Councillor Ann Davidson, Cabinet Deputy for Healthy Living

Essential information

Each child will need to arrive in suitable clothing for playing games outdoors, and with a snack and drink.  We’ll take care of the rest.

All children must be supervised (within the park/venue grounds) by a responsible adult, parent, or guardian throughout the whole session.  This is to ensure the safety of all children.

Dates, more information and how to register your child can be found on the Chelmsford City Sports website.  Please note, you must book a space before arrival. We recommend booking as soon as possible as each session has a set capacity. 

Tickets are free and available from 6 March at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/play

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Molly Smith
Molly Smith

Molly writes stories about public health, community safety, leisure, community sport, parking and Chelmsford Market.