Colchester City Council is inviting residents to help choose the design for a brand new play area at School Road, Monkwick - the latest step in the Council’s ongoing programme to enhance play spaces across the city.
Earlier this year, a city wide consultation on 12 play parks ran for three weeks and received hundreds of responses. That feedback has been used to refine specifications across the programme, strengthening priorities such as accessibility, play value and safety surfacing. Building on that approach, the Monkwick playground consultation gives local families a direct say in selecting the preferred design for their neighbourhood.
The consultation for Monkwick’s play area is now live, giving the community the chance to shape an inclusive, exciting space for children of all ages and abilities. Residents can view the shortlisted designs and vote online at https://forms.office.com/e/ekAW69tEqE.
The survey closes at midnight on 5 January 2026. The winning design will be announced in January 2026, with works scheduled to begin the same month.
Feedback will shape the preferred design, ensuring the play area reflects local priorities and delivers maximum play value. The project is funded through Section 106 contributions – developer payments that help improve local facilities as part of the planning process – with a total budget of £87,000.
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Monkwick community to have a direct say in shaping a space that children will enjoy for years to come. We’re committed to creating safe, accessible, and fun play areas across Colchester, and your vote will help us deliver just that. Please take a few minutes to look at the designs and tell us your favourite.”