We are pleased to share that we have been shortlisted for the LARIA Research Impact Awards 2026 in the category ‘Best use of data or research in a district council’.
This recognises our child‑led work on the redesign of the Colchester Castle Park play area, a project built on listening, inclusion, and real community insight.
Why this matters
From the start, we knew children understand play better than anyone. They know what feels exciting, safe, fun and welcoming. We designed our research to make sure their voices guided the future of the city’s flagship play space.
Instead of relying only on adult views alone, we visited local schools, met families in the park, and created child‑friendly activities that helped young people show us what good play looks like to them.
How children shaped the design
Through workshops, hands‑on sessions and simple visual tools, hundreds of children told us what they care about most in a play area. We also worked closely with SEND pupils to understand any barriers they face and what would help them join in with confidence.
Their feedback directly influenced the themes, layout and equipment included in the final design. What made it even more powerful was that, in the final vote, children and adults independently chose the same preferred design. It showed that our inclusive approach led to a clear, shared community vision.
Championing young voices
This work gave children a meaningful role in shaping a major city asset. By separating adult and child preferences, and by reaching out to groups who are often under‑represented, we made sure a broad range of needs were heard and understood.
The result is a design that reflects real lives, real experiences and the creativity of children across Colchester.
A model for community‑led research
Being shortlisted by LARIA highlights how we communicated the research in an engaging and accessible way, reaching children, families, councillors and community partners.
Cllr Chris Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Transformation and Digital, said: “This project showed the enormous value of listening to all our residents, but most importantly, to children in a meaningful way. Their creativity and honesty shaped the final design of what will be one of Colchester’s most important play spaces. I’m delighted this work has been recognised nationally.”
What happens next
Construction of the new play area is underway and will be ready for Easter. We are excited to deliver a space shaped by the people who will use it most, our city’s children.
LARIA will announce the award winners on Wednesday 25 March 2026 at its annual Conference hosted at the Local Government Association in London.