A new exciting and inclusive play area in Chantry Park in Ipswich will open later this week, just in time for the bank holiday weekend.
The play area which will open at 11.30am on Friday 22 August 2025 has been designed for children aged 0 – 14. Much-loved by families and visitors to Ipswich, the play area in the town’s largest park has now been upgraded with an improved design that celebrates everything that makes the park special – from lively events and a peaceful fishing pond to excellent sports facilities and rich wildlife. It’s the eighth play space in the town to be upgraded as part of Ipswich Borough Council’s ongoing play area strategy.
Ipswich Borough Council worked closely with local families and the Friends of Chantry Park throughout the project to ensure the new play space featured accessible and inclusive play equipment such as the wheelchair-accessible swing and carousel. Careful consideration was also given to the spacing around equipment as well as the addition of new concrete paths to ensure everyone can access the new play area.
With 120 play features, there are different zones for children all ages to enjoy:
- The fishing pond area features equipment suitable for toddlers where they can bounce along the lily pad trail and springers
- The music area inspired iconic gigs in the park invites children to rock out and perform with instruments including bongos and guitar panels and springers
- The enchanted grove area which is perfect for older children features the ‘giants unit’ that’s is taller than a double decker bus and a huge tube slide
- The chill out nest gives teens a cosy, elevated space to gather
Following feedback from the local community, a new zipline has been installed and a natural play trail will also be created soon outside the play area. The parks team are busy reusing wood from trees felled in the park into the trail, giving kids a fun, sustainable space to explore and enjoy.
Two accessible composting toilets with baby changing facilities have been installed next to the play area, along with plenty of new seating, picnic tables, and benches for everyone to enjoy.
Councillor Lucy Trenchard, portfolio holder for parks and climate change, said:
“We can’t wait to open the new play area and to see families exploring it! The new space will give children up to the age of 14 and all abilities a fun, inclusive, and challenging space to enjoy.
“The old play area had given many years of fun and adventure to families, but sadly it was beyond economical repair, and it will soon be removed. As Chantry is our biggest park, we wanted the new space to have a bit of everything to give children all the different kinds of play children love. That’s why we’ve included a brand new zipline along with a natural play trail which will encourage imaginative play and allow children to connect with nature, giving kids plenty of ways to explore, have fun, and enjoy the freedom to play safely.”
