Play Area Upgrade Confirmed for Mardyke Open Space
Residents in Beam Park are set to benefit from major improvements to the play area at Mardyke Open Space, with works now scheduled to begin later this month.
The improvements follow a long campaign by Beam Park Labour Councillors Matthew Stanton and Trevor McKeever, who first raised concerns about the condition of equipment in the park and pushed for investment in one of the ward’s most important public open spaces.
Following a successful Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding bid, the play area will receive a significant upgrade including a larger and more inclusive multi-play unit, a new balance trail, and improved swings. Existing popular equipment will be retained alongside the new installations.
Work is due to start on 19 October, with new equipment arriving shortly afterwards. Subject to weather conditions and final safety inspections, the upgraded play area is expected to reopen in early November.
As part of the design process, Havering Council worked with Havering SEND Family Voice to gather feedback from local families and ensure the new equipment is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Councillor Matthew Stanton told the Havering Daily:
“Since first being elected, Trevor and I have regularly visited Mardyke Open Space to ensure that any concerns about the play facilities are brought to the attention of Havering Council. We have worked with council officers to secure investment and make sure local people had a say in what was delivered.
“I’m particularly pleased that Havering SEND Family Voice were involved in shaping the final design. Every child should be able to enjoy their local play area, and it was important that accessibility and inclusion were considered from the outset.
“Mardyke Open Space is the largest publicly accessible green space serving many Beam Park residents, so these improvements will make a real difference to families across the community.”
Councillor Trevor McKeever told the Havering Daily:
“We know how important this play area is to local families and we’re delighted to see work finally getting underway.
“Residents have been telling us for some time that the site needed investment, and it’s good to see that feedback turning into real improvements on the ground. We look forward to seeing children enjoying the new equipment as soon as the works are complete.”
During construction, the fenced section of the play area where the improvements are taking place will be temporarily closed. The remainder of Mardyke Open Space, including the unfenced play area, will remain open for public use.
Residents will see site notices displayed ahead of the works beginning.
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