Families choose which playground they want to see built

Children living near Orange Tree Play Area in Moulsham Lodge, Chelmsford, have an extra reason to be excited this summer.

On 6 July, Chelmsford City Council held a public vote on three designs for the complete refurbishment of the park. Over 100 visitors came out to preview the ideas on offer and speak to park staff.

All three designs were popular, but the winner by public vote was Proludic’s animal-themed playground. Complete with a speed gyro roundabout, tree frog spring seesaw, play panels and a tactile wheel, the playground combines free play, climbing and agility fun with imagination and group activities.

The winning design by Proludic

Orange Tree Close’s current play equipment has been in place for many years and has reached the end of its life. The revamp announcement caused a flurry of excitement on social media. Happy comments from residents included, “We should all go to the vote. I am very excited for this!”, “They all look amazing,” and “Very exciting!”

As part of the consultation, the Council is also responding to specific feedback from residents. One request was for a basket swing to make the play area more inclusive. Officers are currently working with Proludic to see if the design can be altered to accommodate this.

The Council is investing £62,000 in the play area. Councillor Bob Massey, Cabinet Member for Parks, said, “I am very pleased with the amount of interest in the consultation. We estimate that about 70 per cent of Orange Tree Close residents came out to vote or view the designs and the overwhelming majority said, ‘We can’t wait!’ I’m looking forward to seeing how excited local kids are when the work is complete and this great design is theirs to enjoy.”

Play areas at Lionmede Recreation Ground and Nelson Grove are also being refurbished, while the much-loved giant slide at Chelmer Park is set to get even better, with two giant slides allowing for slide racing.