Revamp for Chelmsford play area and sports pitch

Updated play and sports facilities have recently opened in Chelmsford. The children’s play area in Melbourne Park has been revamped and is once again open for the public to enjoy. Plus, an artificial grass sports pitch has been newly installed in Beaulieu Park Recreation Ground, available to be booked by keen footballers. The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Sue Dobson, attended both facilities at the beginning of March to officially open them.

New life for play area in Melbourne Park

Melbourne Park play area was several decades old and in need of updating with modern play equipment. A consultation took place to select the new design for the new park and the winning concept received over 250 votes cast by residents. Adaptations were made to take on board feedback received during the consultation process.

The new site is slightly larger than before, and features a springy bonded mulch surface made from old forklift and truck tyres. This allows the park to be used in most weather conditions. Inclusive and accessible elements allow users of varying abilities to join in with play. The sensory elements of gliding, spinning, balancing, and springing help young explorers to expel energy safely.

The play area is divided into infant and junior sections. Older children, aged 7-12 years, have space to be challenged while the infant area, suitable for children aged 2-6 years, provides activities for them to gain in confidence.

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“Seeing children playing in the upgraded play area last week was a joy. It’s fantastic to know the city council’s investment in upgrading community facilities can bring so much enjoyment for adults and children alike. Both Melbourne Park and the artificial grass pitch in Beaulieu Park Recreation Ground are community assets and have the potential to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of so many local people. I encourage people to make good and careful use of them so others in Chelmsford can enjoy them too for many more years.”

Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Sue Dobson

A greener play experience

As well as the recycled tyres used in the flooring, many of the materials used for the play equipment have been sustainably sourced. The posts used for the climbing frames are made from 100% post-consumer textile and plastic waste. Some play equipment surfaces are 75% ocean recycled waste, collected from maritime industry items such as fishing nets, ropes and trawl nets. And while the brand-new play area is expected to last for many years, much of the equipment can be recycled at the end of its life.

Beaulieu Park’s new 3G AGP sports pitch

An artificial grass pitch (AGP) has been installed in Beaulieu Park Recreation Ground providing year-round all-weather use for keen sports users. Completed in January, the new 3G AGP pitch replaces a worn tarmac surface and improves conditions for local sports people.

The area is divided into two five-a-side pitches, and one seven-a-side for multi-game practice sessions, with brand new foldaway goals. The upgrade will allow teams to train and play small-area games.

Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Sue Dobson, visited the AGP sports pitch last week to officially declare it open – and also tested her football skills!

Dark evenings no longer stop play as reliable and energy-efficient LED floodlights have been installed. The installation of brand new fencing has created a safe spectator area for parents to watch their children. The city council also took the opportunity to refresh the entrance to the sports pavilion and the nearby children’s nursery with new block paving to improve wider accessibility.

The facility is appropriate for all age groups and abilities and has already proven popular, with regular bookings from many local football teams. To book a sports pitch owned by the city council, including Beaulieu Park, visit the Love Your Chelmsford website.