Castle park playground

A brand-new Castle Park Playground coming Easter 2026

We’re thrilled to share that a winning design has been chosen for the new Castle Park playground. Earlier this year, residents voted for their favourite design, and the clear winner stood out for its fantastic accessibility and imaginative play zones.

When will it open?

Construction will start in January 2026, and the current playground will then close. If all goes to plan (and subject to weather conditions), the new playground will be ready for families to enjoy by Easter 2026.

While work is underway, the nearest alternative playground is at Kings Meadow Playground, CO1 1XL.

What’s new?

This will be an accessible playground, designed so children of all abilities can play together. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• A large ramped play unit in a Roman-themed area.
• The city’s only publicly accessible wheelchair swing.
• A wheelchair-friendly trampoline, plus a roundabout and seesaw designed for wheelchair users.
• Sensory play features, including sand play, tactile panels, and interactive elements.

Three themed play zones

The playground celebrates Colchester’s heritage and local landscape with:

• Roman Adventure – complete with a bespoke castle play structure.
• Jungle Safari – animal-themed fun for little explorers.
• Mersea Island – a ship play structure and beach-inspired activities.

Want to see what’s coming?

Check out the detailed images of the new playground below and start planning your Easter visit.