Work has started today (Monday 19 May 2025) to create a brand-new, children’s play area in Chantry Park, Ipswich.
It’s the eighth play area to be upgraded in the town as part of the overarching £3.5m play area strategy for Ipswich, which will see upgrades to over 40 play spaces by 2027.
Chantry Park is well known for its events, fishing ponds, sports activities, and wildlife, all of which are reflected in the play area's design. The space boasts 120 play features across dedicated zones for children aged 0 to 14, including a music area inspired by iconic gigs in the park and invites children to rock out and perform with instruments including bongos and guitar panels and springers.
Inclusive equipment, such as a wheelchair-accessible swing and carousel, ensures that children of all abilities can enjoy the park. Standout features include the ‘enchanted grove giants unit’ (taller than a double decker bus!) with a huge tube slide, a chill-out zone for teens, and a wide variety of sensory equipment set at different heights to ensure a fun and engaging experience for all abilities.
As part of the play area, two accessible composting toilets which feature baby changing facilities will also be installed next to the play area.
Councillor Lucy Trenchard, portfolio holder for parks and climate change, said: “I’m really excited that work is starting on this fantastic new play area. This is exactly the kind of provision that will enhance the enjoyment of Ipswich outdoors for young families – safe, enjoyable and modern equipment that children and young people of all abilities can use for fun and exercise.
“We’d like to thank local parents and caregivers for their support and involvement in the design process and we’ve taken onboard feedback regarding incorporating water play in the park and we are looking to include this in any future National Lottery Heritage Fund bids.”
The Council always considers provision for all children to ensure accessible and inclusive play. As part of the design process feedback from local parents has been included, which is reflected in the spacing around equipment and the new paths that will be included as part of the design.
The new play area will be created in a new space within the park, close to the vicinity of the current play area which will remain open during its construction. Work will start once fencing has been installed and the construction site has been prepared, with the new play area planned to open later this summer.