Weather for Chelmsford: Partly cloudy, 25.3°C, View more
Wednesday 17th June, 2026

New play area in Central Park now open

05/12/2018 About 1 minute Share article:
After just over two months of construction, the all new Central Park play area is now open for families to enjoy in time for Christmas.

The new play area, which is now located beside the lake in Central Park, received its grand opening on the 3 December, with the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Yvonne Spence cutting the ribbon to unveil the exciting new play area to eagerly awaiting families and children.

Children from the local Busy Bees nursery, located on The Meades, just a five-minute walk from the park, were amongst the first to have the opportunity to enjoy the play area after being invited to the grand opening. The nursery promotes outdoor play as part of giving children the best start in life.

Designed for the ages between 2 to 12 by leading playground designer KOMPAN, the play area caters for 75 children at a time and offers more than 55 play features for children to enjoy. The play area has been designed to be divided in the centre, one side for younger children aged between 2 - 6 years and the other for older children between 7 - 12 years of age.

The section for younger children (ages 2-6) includes a toddler train, Spinner Bowl, Balance beam, trampoline, carousel, bespoke infant 'Viaduct' themed multi-unit and more. The other section (ages 7-12) includes Sky Carousel, Metal Cableway, basket swing, bespoke Mega deck Tower Multi-unit and a large exercise net.

The play area incorporates elements of history of Central Park, with the bespoke 'Viaduct' unit and Train Engine with a plaque featuring the date '1894' - the year the park was officially handed over to the council.

Councillor Bob Massey, Cabinet Member for Parks said "We are thrilled that the new play area is now open to the public. We consulted with families on designs for the new play area during the Celebrate Parks event in the summer and we are glad that the final design has now come to life!

"The new position of the play area by the lake, between the table tennis and the skate ramp is ideal for families to enjoy all three activities with ease.

"We are continuing to invest in our parks and play areas, with Central Park being the fourth play area to be refurbished within the last 12 months by the council."

Stuart Pettit, KOMPAN Sales Manager said, "We are delighted to be part of this project with Chelmsford City Council in Central Park, delivering more play opportunities for the growing community.

"The bespoke design reflects the local landmarks in Chelmsford and provides play for all ages and abilities. It was fantastic to be part of the official opening on the 3rd December and see the playground being used for the first time."




Recent Articles

Poppy O’Toole Teams Up with Bill’s Chelmsford for Limited-Edition Menu
Poppy O’Toole Teams Up with Bill’s Chelmsford for Limited-Edition Menu

Celebrity chef Poppy O’Toole has launched a limited-edition menu at Bill’s Chelmsford. Discover the viral potato-inspired dishes available for a short time only.

Chelmsford Cathedral Appoints Stephen Stokes as New Head Verger
Chelmsford Cathedral Appoints Stephen Stokes as New Head Verger

Chelmsford Cathedral has appointed Stephen Stokes as its new Dean’s Verger (Head Verger), overseeing ceremonial and operational duties at the historic city landmark.

Rectory Lane East Car Park in Chelmsford Set to Close as Housing Plans Approved
Rectory Lane East Car Park in Chelmsford Set to Close as Housing Plans Approved

Rectory Lane East car park in Chelmsford is expected to close soon after plans for 22 affordable homes were approved. Full details and impact here.

Businesses
Events
An Evening with Maggie Stiefvater Coming to Waterstones Chelmsford
An Evening with Maggie Stiefvater Coming to Waterstones Chelmsford

Bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater is coming to Waterstones Chelmsford on 4 May 2026 to discuss her new novel The Listeners. Find out how to attend.

Chelmsford Central Parkrun: Free Weekly 5K Event Brings Community Together Every Saturday
Chelmsford Central Parkrun: Free Weekly 5K Event Brings Community Together Every Saturday

Discover Chelmsford Central Parkrun – a free weekly 5K run in Central Park. Open to all ages and abilities, it’s one of Essex’s most popular community fitness events.

Chelmsford City FC Hosting Free Business Networking Event This May
Chelmsford City FC Hosting Free Business Networking Event This May

Chelmsford City FC is hosting a free business networking event on 12 May 2026. Local professionals are invited to connect at the Melbourne Stadium.

KPOP SUPERSTARS WORKSHOP
KPOP SUPERSTARS WORKSHOP

Encore Performing Arts presents KPOP Superstars Workshop where you can ACT, SING and Dance to your favourite K-POP hits