Halstead: Major improvements underway at Kings Road park

King George V Playing Fields, in Kings Road, Halstead, has long been a well-used green space for families, dog walkers and young people in the town.

Now, refurbishment works are underway to modernise the play area and improve the space for the local community.

Outdated equipment has already been removed, with new installations currently taking shape as part of the project.

Improvements - A much-loved Halstead park is being transformed with new equipment for local children and families (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

Funding for the improvements has been secured through a combination of capital investment from the council’s annual rolling programme for play area refurbishments, alongside Section 106 (s106) developer contributions.

Sites chosen for refurbishment are identified through comprehensive annual health and safety inspections, which assess the condition of equipment and help determine where upgrades are most needed.

These findings are then used to prioritise work across the district.

The mayor of Halstead, James Bond, recently visited the park to view progress and welcomed the improvements.

He said: “I recently visited the park to see the work being done to upgrade the play equipment and I’m sure this will be a great improvement for children and young people when it is officially open.

“An improvement undertaken by Braintree Council as part of the refurbishment of parks across the district which is very welcome.”

A resident, who wishes to remain unnamed, told the Gazette "it's great to see the park being transformed."

Works - Outdated equipment has already been removed, with new installations currently taking shape as part of the project (Image: Halle Groves, Newsquest)

They said: "I've been coming to Kings Road park for as long as I can remember - my friends and I always spent so much time at the park after school and during the holidays.

"Even now as an adult, I bring my dogs here and know there's always people around for a friendly chat.

"I can't remember the last time new play equipment was installed, so it's fantastic to see the park being transformed for younger generations."

The refurbishment is expected to provide a refreshed and safer environment for children and families, ensuring the park remains a central hub for the community for years to come.