New Murray Road play area opens in Ipswich for family enjoyment
Inclusive play space celebrates local heritage with horse-racing theme
A brand-new children's play area has officially opened at Murray Road Recreation Ground in Ipswich, providing an exciting space for families to connect and play.
Designed around a horse-racing theme inspired by the site's history as a former racecourse, the facility offers 29 pieces of play equipment suitable for children aged one to 14.
Key features include a unique Suffolk Punch horse structure, a show jumping trail, winner’s podium, racetrack, and starting block with binoculars.
The play area is notable for its inclusivity, offering wheelchair-accessible equipment, braille panels, and sign language learning features.
To aid children with communication challenges, a dedicated communication panel with symbols has been installed.
The project is part of Ipswich Borough Council’s £3.5 million initiative to modernise play facilities across the borough.
Councillor Stefan Long, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sport, expressed enthusiasm for the new development.
“I’m delighted to see the new play area at Murray Road Recreation Ground now open for families to enjoy. This fantastic new space gives children more opportunities to get outside, be active and use their imagination.
"The horse-themed equipment is a wonderful way to celebrate the history of this site, helping children connect with the past while having fun. It’s also important that this play area has been designed to be inclusive, so children can play happily together.
"The opening marks another key milestone in the council’s ongoing investment in parks and open spaces, creating welcoming environments for communities across Ipswich.”