Maldon Promenade Park Valley Play area opens after revamp

The new Valley Play Area in the town's Promenade Park was opened to the public on October 17, with a ribbon

Maldon District Council enjoyed a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly upgraded park on Monday.

It was attended by council members, including chairman Kevin Lagan, and representatives from Kompan, the supplier of the new equipment.

The newly upgraded play area at Maldon's Promenade Park (Image: Maldon District Council)

Mr Lagan, who led the opening ceremony, said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to be able to open this park today.

"I think it’s an asset that can be enjoyed by children of all ages, and obviously, there is some accessible play built into it.

"The park offers opportunities for people of all incomes and all ages, and I am proud to have it as one of the major jewels in the crown of Maldon.”

The Valley Play Area upgrade was made possible through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with a total investment of £226,000. 

This project replaces the old galleon play structure and includes high-quality equipment designed to foster both fun and physical activity. 

Maldon District Council leader Richard Siddall said: “I am thrilled to see the Valley Play Area upgrade completed and open to the public.

"This new play area is a fantastic addition to Promenade Park and provides a safe and fun environment for our residents and visitors to the Park.

"Over the last few months, the council has invested £457,000 in new, modern play equipment both in Maldon and Burnham, some of which has come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

"I hope that this significant investment will attract more families to our parks, encouraging children to be active and improve their physical health.”

Council and Kompan staff at the new play area (Image: Maldon District Council)

He added:  "We knew we had to replace the old galleon and wanted a design that met everyone’s needs.

"We focused on using environmentally friendly materials, many of which have been recycled.

"It’s also a fantastic location near the splash park, offering a great new facility for children. I feel great being here today.”

John Hambrook from Kompan highlighted said the park is the "first park of its kind in the entire country".

"It took over a year working closely with the council to perfect the design, creating something authentic to Maldon yet modern," he said.

"I think this is a wonderful addition to the town. I’m especially proud that the park has multiple levels, allowing children in wheelchairs to play alongside other children.

"There is also a fully accessible seesaw. It’s very important to be inclusive particularly with children so they never feel left out."

In addition to the Valley Play Area, Maldon District Council said it is committed to further investments in family-friendly spaces across the district, with plans for three new skateparks in Promenade Park, Riverside Park, and West Maldon Community Centre set for next year.

Amelia Burgess and her mother Debby (Image: Newsquest Reporter)

Maldon resident Debbie Burgess, whose eight-year-old daughter Amelia was thrilled about the new park, shared her excitement, saying,

“We live right across the street, and Amelia really missed coming here to play. The new playground is fantastic, especially with options for older kids. It’s a much-needed addition to the area.”

Amelia, smiling after her first go at the new slide, said, “I’m very happy the park is open now. We used to look through the fences while the work was being done, and now I can come to play here every day.”