Essex Playing Fields Awards

Published: 02 November 2021

and were delighted to receive several awards from this years “Best Kept Playing Field” competition.  The Town Council received a gold certificate in Class 1 (for playing fields serving communities of more than 2,500 residents) for Roding Valley Recreation Ground, and in Class 3 (for children’s playgrounds), a merit certificate was received for Westall Road playground, however most notably, Traps Hill playground was the outright winner of this category, judged to be the best playground out of 120 competition entrants.

Thanks are extended to our various play industry contractors and inspectors, the Epping Forest District Council Grounds Maintenance Team, all of the volunteers that carry out litter picking at the Roding Valley Recreation Ground on a daily basis in all weathers, and  especially to the Town Council’s Park Warden Team who visit all of the playgrounds and recreation grounds seven days a week.  All of the aforementioned play a vital role in the Town Council’s work, ensuring that town council facilities remain safe for the public to use, and the awards we have received are a just reward for this truly collective effort.

Finally, it would be remiss not to mention the fine work carried out by the Essex Playing Fields Association.  Formed in 1924, one year before the National Association came into being, the Association provides assistance and advice not only to parish and town councils but also independent sports clubs, and strives to protect playing fields and sports facilities, particularly against the threat of development.  They also encourage those responsible to ensure that facilities are maintained to a high standard and promote the upgrading of facilities, in particular to reflect inclusivity.  As the Association nears its centenary year, it is hoped that those parish and town councils and independent sports clubs in Essex that are not yet members, will join to further strengthen the Association going forward.”