A NEW and fully inclusive play area opened today in Basildon's Wat Tyler Country Park.

The selected design was chosen by a majority of residents during a face to face consultation at the site organised by Basildon Council and is packed with a whole variety of fun and inclusive features, being suitable for wheelchair users and children of all ages and abilities.

The new play area features an engaging combination of adventurous and enriching equipment, including musical areas, sand play areas, and a signature double slide, as well as opportunities to relax in the picnic areas, wildflower seating areas, and wildlife areas.

It comes as part of the council's Play Review, a ten year programme of approximately £9 million investment in the Basildon borough's play areas, to create a network of the highest-quality play facilities for residents across the borough.

Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, Leisure, Arts, and Culture, Cllr Jeff Henry said: "This new play area really is something to get excited about, making one of our most popular play sites in the borough even better for our borough's young people.

"I'm also proud of the new changing places toilet facility installed in the park, which will complement our new play area and make it a truly inclusive park for all.

"We know how important play areas are in providing free enjoyment and memory making for children and their families, and our Play Review is about creating a network across the borough of the highest quality possible.

"That's what we feel we have achieved at Wat Tyler Country Park with the help of local residents in our design consultation. Thank you to those who took part that helped shape the play area to be the best it can be, for you."

The new play area was designed by Jupiter Play, with the project being funded by the council alongside part funding from the Essex County Council's Short Breaks for Disabled Children's Capital Fund.