A NEW playground was officially opened at Castle park in Colchester, alongside schoolchildren who were involved in the project.
The play area was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 7, led by the Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester.
Schoolchildren from St Thomas More’s School attended the opening ceremony, which took place in front of invited guests and families.
Pupil Faith Olapade, who won a colouring competition linked to the playground project, helped the Mayor and Mayoress cut the ribbon using giant ceremonial scissors.
The playground has already been in use, with families enjoying it during the Easter break.
Councillor Michael Lilley, Mayor of Colchester, said: "It was a real pleasure to officially open Castle Park’s new playground alongside local children and families.
"This is a space created with young people at its heart and seeing children enjoy it for the very first time was a wonderful reminder of why community-led projects like this matter so much.
"Castle Park is a much-loved part of Colchester and this new playground will be enjoyed by families for many years to come."
The playground has been designed to be inclusive and welcoming to children of all abilities.
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Its design was guided by community input, with residents choosing the final design via a public vote and families sharing ideas during consultation events.
Martin Goss, councillor responsible for waste, neighbourhoods, and leisure at Colchester Council, said: "It’s fitting that today’s official opening was shared with local children, including Faith, whose artwork captured the imagination behind this project.
"The new playground reflects the ideas of the community and shows how listening to residents and young people can help create a space that children of all abilities can enjoy together."
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