A New Playground for Ongar – Building a Brighter Future

There is a real sense of excitement in Ongar at the moment as work begins on a brand-new playground for our community. For years, families have wished for more safe and fun spaces for children to play, and now, that dream is becoming a reality. The new playground is not just about swings and slides; it represents an important step forward in making Ongar a more welcoming, inclusive, and family-friendly place to live.

Why a Playground Matters

Playgrounds are often thought of as simple spaces for children, but in reality, they bring so much more to a community. For children, they offer a safe environment to run, climb, and explore. Outdoor play supports both physical health and mental wellbeing, helping young people to build social skills, confidence, and friendships. In a world where screens so often dominate, having a safe and engaging outdoor space encourages children to get fresh air and exercise.

For parents and families, playgrounds provide a much-needed meeting point. They become places where neighbours get to know each other, where conversations spark between parents, and where community bonds strengthen. Playgrounds also add to the identity of an area. They are a visible sign of investment, care, and forward planning – a space that shows the community is valued and growing.

The Vision for Ongar’s Playground

This new project will deliver a modern playground designed with safety, inclusivity, and sustainability in mind. From the plans we’ve seen, the playground will include:

• A wide variety of play equipment suitable for different age groups, from toddlers to older children.

• Inclusive features so that children of all abilities can take part in the fun. This is a key aspect, as play should be for everyone.

• Durable, eco-friendly materials that will ensure the equipment lasts while also reducing environmental impact.

• Plenty of green landscaping, meaning the playground will not just be fun but also beautiful, fitting seamlessly into Ongar’s wider tidy towns vision.

As part of Ongar Tidy Towns, we are especially pleased to see how much thought has gone into creating a space that reflects our community’s values. We are committed to making Ongar greener, cleaner, and more welcoming, and this playground project is perfectly in line with that mission.

The Benefits for Ongar

The arrival of this new playground will mean so much for the people who live here. It will:

• Give children a safe space to play away from busy roads and traffic.

• Encourage outdoor activity, which is vital for health and happiness.

• Support families, making Ongar an even more attractive place to raise children.

• Create a new meeting point for neighbours and friends, helping community spirit to thrive.

• Add value to the area, as well-maintained public spaces make Ongar a more desirable place to live.

In many ways, the playground is not just for children – it is for everyone. Even those without young families will benefit from the sense of community it brings. A lively, happy, and active space adds to the overall atmosphere of the area.

Progress and Next Steps

Construction has already started, and residents may have noticed the work being carried out on the site. Over the coming weeks, we will see the space take shape, with equipment installed and the surrounding landscape prepared.

Ongar Tidy Towns will be keeping a close eye on developments. We plan to share regular updates on our blog and Facebook page, including photographs of the work as it progresses. Once the playground is completed, we hope to mark the occasion with a community celebration. After all, this project belongs to everyone in Ongar – it is something we can all be proud of.

How You Can Get Involved

This is a wonderful moment for Ongar, but it is also a reminder of how much can be achieved when a community works together. Ongar Tidy Towns is always looking for new volunteers to help keep our area looking its best. From litter picks to planting flowers, from supporting local projects to promoting sustainability, every little bit makes a difference.

If you would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you. You can contact us at Ongartidytowns@gmail.com or find us on Facebook to see our latest updates. 

Whether you have an hour a week or an hour a month, your support will help us to continue building a better Ongar for everyone.

Looking Ahead

The new playground is only one piece of Ongar’s future, but it is an important one. It represents investment in young people, in families, and in community spirit. It shows that Ongar is a place that values its residents, cares about quality of life, and is willing to invest in public spaces.

As the playground takes shape, we look forward to the day when the laughter of children fills the air, when parents meet for chats on the benches, and when neighbours come together in a shared space designed for joy. This is not just a playground – it is the heart of a growing, thriving Ongar.

Together, we are building more than play equipment. We are building memories, connections, and a brighter future.