Construction well underway as new Chantry Park play area set to open this Friday

Why it matters: The upgraded facility in Ipswich's largest park provides inclusive and accessible equipment for children of all abilities, just in time for the summer bank holiday weekend.

The big picture: This marks the eighth play area upgraded as part of Ipswich Borough Council's ongoing play area strategy. The council worked closely with local families and the Friends of Chantry Park throughout the project to ensure the new space featured accessible and inclusive play equipment.

The details: The play area celebrates everything that makes Chantry Park special through four distinct zones:

• The fishing pond area features equipment suitable for toddlers, where they can bounce along the lily pad trail and springers.
• The music area inspired by iconic gigs in the park invites children to rock out and perform with instruments, including bongos and guitar panels.
• The enchanted grove area for older children features the "giants unit", which is taller than a double-decker bus, and a giant tube slide.
• The chill-out nest gives teens a cosy, elevated space to gather.

What's new: Following feedback from the local community, a new zipline has been installed. A natural play trail will also be created soon outside the play area, with the parks team reusing wood from trees felled in the park.

For families: 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.

What they're saying: "We can't wait to open the new play area and to see families exploring it," said Councillor Lucy Trenchard, portfolio holder for parks and climate change. "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."

The bottom line: The new inclusive play area breathes fresh life into Chantry Park, with modern, accessible equipment designed by and for the local community, opening perfectly timed for the bank holiday weekend.