Essex County Council has started a £335,000 project to upgrade children’s playgrounds at three country parks, including Hadleigh Country Park, which is a popular spot for families near Southend-on-Sea, Essex. The work began on February 3, 2026, to provide safer and better play areas for local children.
Work at Hadleigh Country Park is already underway and focuses on installing new safety features and better ground surfaces. This site, located between Benfleet and Leigh-on-Sea, is a key destination for Southend residents looking for outdoor activities. The Essex County Council has hired a specialist contractor called Kompan UK to carry out the renovations.
The project also includes improvements at Great Notley Country Park and Belhus Woods Country Park. At Great Notley, families can expect a new climbing forest, a 12-metre rope bridge, and sensory equipment starting later this spring. Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for Arts, Heritage and Culture, said the goal is to give young families an affordable day out while supporting the physical and mental health of children.
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