Springfield Families Invited to Choose New Playground as Chelmsford Council Unveils Three Designs

Families in Springfield are being invited to help choose the future of a popular local playground after Chelmsford City Council unveiled three competing designs for a replacement play area at Springfield Green.

Residents can vote for their favourite proposal, with options featuring climbing frames, slides, swings, balancing equipment and interactive play features.

The council launched the public vote on Monday 26 October 2026, giving local people until 12 noon on Friday 6 November to have their say.

Each design offers a different combination of equipment, with options aimed at children of varying ages.

Three New Playground Designs Revealed

The existing children's playground at Springfield Green is set to be replaced, and the council is asking residents to choose between three proposed layouts.

The designs are labelled Option 1, Option 2 and Option 3, with illustrations available on the council's website.

Option 1 – Jungle-Themed Adventure Playground

The first proposal is aimed primarily at children aged two to eight.

Its centrepiece is a large climbing structure called Tarzan's Jungle, featuring slides, climbing ropes and elevated play platforms.

The design also includes swings, a roundabout, a seesaw, spring-mounted play equipment and a selection of balance challenges.

Sensory and communication panels would provide additional opportunities for imaginative and interactive play.

The emphasis is on traditional adventure playground activities, particularly climbing, balancing and exploring.

Option 2 – Inclusive Play for Younger Children

The second design is aimed at children aged one to ten and places an emphasis on inclusive play.

It features a wooden climbing tower with a slide, alongside a tree-stump trail incorporating ropes and stepping features.

Other equipment includes swings, a spinner bowl, spring-mounted play equipment and interactive features.

The proposal is designed to encourage children with different abilities to play together.

It also includes equipment intended for very young children, making it an option for families with toddlers.

Option 3 – Separate Toddler and Junior Play Areas

The third proposal caters for the broadest age range, with equipment intended for children aged two to 16 and over.

Unlike the other designs, this option divides the playground into separate toddler and junior areas.

The toddler section features a smaller climbing unit and slide, swings, a roundabout, a seesaw and interactive sensory equipment.

The junior section includes a timber climbing and balancing trail, monkey bars and a spinning disc.

This layout could appeal to families with children of different ages, including older children who may have outgrown more traditional playground equipment.

How Do the Three Designs Compare?

Residents can view the illustrations of all three designs before deciding which they prefer.

How to Vote for the New Springfield Green Playground

Voting is open through Chelmsford City Council's official City Life website.

Residents are asked to provide their name and postcode, select their preferred playground design and identify their favourite piece of equipment.

An email address can also be supplied if voters would like to receive a copy of their response.

Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 6 November 2026.

To view the three designs and cast your vote, visit:

Vote for the New Springfield Green Playground – Chelmsford City Council

The consultation gives families who regularly use the green an opportunity to express their preferences before the replacement playground is finalised.

When Will the New Playground Open?

Chelmsford City Council has not yet announced when construction will begin or when the replacement playground will be ready for use.

The council's announcement also does not specify the project's overall cost or when the winning design will be confirmed.

Further details are expected as the replacement project progresses.

For now, residents have an opportunity to help shape the future of the play area.

Chelmsford City Hub will follow the results of the vote and provide updates when the council announces the chosen design and installation timetable.

Source: Chelmsford City Council – Choose a New Design for the Springfield Green Play Area, 26 October 2026