Revamped play area unveiled at Baddow Hall Park

A popular play area in Great Baddow has been given a makeover, offering children and families exciting new play equipment and a more accessible location. 

The new play area was officially opened by The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Jannetta Sosin, on Monday 14 July with members of Chelmsford City Council and Great Baddow Parish Council joining her to celebrate the moment.

An inspiring place to play

In preparation for the improvement works, local residents cast 229 votes as part of an online consultation to choose the final design for the play area. Feedback also showed widespread support for relocating the site from the centre of the park to be closer to the entrance on New Road, making access easier via a new pathway.

The play area has increased slightly in size to measure 1148sqm. It has been completely resurfaced with a springy bonded mulch made from recycled tyres, improving safety for young adventurers and allowing it to be used in most weather conditions.

The modern play equipment has a woodland theme and is divided into two zones, one for infants aged 2-6 and the other for juniors aged 7-12. 

The Mayor of Chelmsford took a tour of the play area after cutting the ribbon

With equipment designed to challenge children and help them build confidence, new elements have been added to the play area including balance bridges and opportunities for role play. The play area is designed to be inclusive, providing interactive play options suitable for children of varying abilities.

The park also has an established pump track and half basketball area.

Speaking about the upgrade works, Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford, said:

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“The new play area at Baddow Hall Park is a great example of how working together in partnership can transform a community space. Listening to residents and working with the parish council has resulted in a fantastic new play area which benefits from being much easier to reach and better equipped so everyone can enjoy the park.”

Cllr Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford

Now the new play area is open, the site of the old play area will be allowed to naturalise into a flower meadow and tree planting will take place in the park during the autumn.

The project is part of a wider programme to upgrade many of the council’s play areas across the Chelmsford district. You can find details about the play areas and parks in your local area on the Love Your Chelmsford website.