Old Heath Recreation Ground

Old Heath Recreation Ground, located in Colchester City Council, Colchester, is a cherished council-managed public park that serves as an exceptional destination for families seeking enriching after-school activities and a safe environment. This highly-valued recreation ground offers a secure, welcoming atmosphere for all ages, praised by parents for providing an affordable, holiday-like experience without significant expense. It thoughtfully accommodates parental involvement with its family-friendly amenities, ensuring a relaxed and inviting space for everyone.

A testament to community creativity, the park features distinctive new heritage gates, designed through collaborative workshops where local residents, including parents and students, actively engaged with an artist. These unique, artistically significant installations beautifully integrate creative design with local history, enhancing the park's aesthetic appeal and celebrating its rich significance. For physical development, Old Heath Recreation Ground boasts an impressive array of facilities. Children and adults can utilise the outdoor gym equipment for fitness and strength, while dedicated basketball courts foster agility and strategic thinking.

Expansive fields are perfect for football practice and team sports, and clearly marked jogging routes are soon to offer structured cardiovascular stamina building. Visitors can also enjoy zip wires and large open spaces that encourage diverse physical activities, helping children build strength, balance, and coordination through play and adventure. Beyond physical activity, the ground is a wonderful setting for fostering social and emotional wellbeing, encouraging children to build new friendships and interact freely within a supportive community. The on-site Community Café, operated by GO4 Enterprises CIC since May 2016, provides a comfortable spot for families to relax, enjoy snacks and drinks, and extends social visits, further enhancing the overall experience.

Located in the old tennis pavilion, it offers indoor and outdoor seating, public toilets, and an outdoor serving hatch. This cafe, along with other facilities like clean toilets and age-appropriate toys, underscores the ground's commitment to inclusivity and family comfort. The development of Old Heath Recreation Ground has consistently involved public consultation, crucially allowing parents to shape the array of events and activities available, ensuring offerings truly desired and appreciated by local families.

With well-maintained play equipment, ample parking at Port Lane, and ongoing improvement works informed by community feedback, Old Heath Recreation Ground is an ideal after-school destination where children can enjoy endless fun, learn new skills, and thrive in a safe, secure, and engaging environment. It truly caters to mixed-age family fun, providing activities suitable for the youngest to the oldest visitor.