Ellenbrook Park to get new inclusive play area

Why it matters: The new playground will give children a fresh, accessible space to play, with the announcement timed to coincide with Love Parks Week (24 July – 2 August), a national campaign celebrating green spaces.

The details: The nature-themed design encourages young people to explore, create stories and enjoy active outdoor play, letting children slide into the pond, spin with the bumblebees and catch the worm through a range of interactive and sensory play.

Eight new pieces of play equipment will be installed, with a strong focus on accessibility and inclusive play, including a variety of swings, a wheelchair-accessible carousel, an inclusive seesaw and bongos.

The bigger picture: The Ellenbrook Park upgrade forms part of the council's £3.5m Play Area Strategy, which is delivering improvements to play facilities across the borough. In June, the council opened a new play area at Murray Road Recreation Ground, featuring 29 new pieces of equipment.

What they're saying: Councillor Stefan Long, Ipswich Borough Council's portfolio holder for environment and sport, said: "We're delighted to be bringing another exciting new play area to Ipswich as part of our continued investment in high-quality play spaces for children and families.

"The Ellenbrook Park design has been inspired by bugs, nature and imaginative play, creating a unique environment where children can explore, learn and have fun together.

"It is particularly pleasing to see so many inclusive features incorporated throughout the design, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to play, socialise and enjoy the outdoors in a welcoming environment."

What's next: The current play area will close for safety reasons while the new one is installed. The new play area is expected to open later this year.

The bottom line: Ellenbrook Park is set for a nature-inspired makeover, with accessibility built into the design from the ground up, as the council continues rolling out its £3.5m strategy park by park.

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