A new outdoor gym has officially opened at Coggeshall Recreation Ground thanks to £72,000 of funding from Section 106 contributions.
The new outdoor gym, located next to the children’s playground at Coggeshall Recreation Ground, is designed for people aged 14 and over, with inclusive features, adjustable resistance and seating.
It includes a variety of equipment suitable for all fitness levels such as a bike, balance board, calisthenics, cross trainer, chest press and jumping pods and timer.
The ribbon cutting ceremony, organised by Coggeshall Parish Council, took place on Thursday 11 June 2026 to mark the occasion, with representatives from the Parish Council and Braintree District Council.
The project has been informed by feedback from Coggeshall Parish Council’s resident survey, which identified strong support for increased outdoor fitness provision for older teenagers and adults. Conducted last summer, the survey asked residents what they value about the Recreation Ground and what improvements they would like to see, including proposals for a new outdoor gym and multi-use games area (MUGA).
Coggeshall Parish Council are also working on a project to install a multi-use games area on the site, with a view to having this complete next year.
Cllr Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “Credit must go to Coggeshall Parish Council who have led on this fantastic project and worked with their supplier to deliver the new outdoor gym. The planning process plays a key role in helping to enhance community facilities on a wider level and this is a prime example of that. While new homes are needed across the Braintree district, it’s important that the benefits are felt by communities at large, not just those who will be living in new developments.”
Councillor Andy Badger from Coggeshall Parish Council, said: ‘The new outdoor gym at The Rec was built in direct response to the recent Coggeshall Parish Council Recreation Ground Survey, making good use of a redundant hardstanding near the Big Park playground. This project was made possible due to the developer contributions negotiated by BDC for the community through the planning system, which we are very pleased to have been able to utilise for our residents. We'd like to thank all those who have brought this development to fruition and we hope that it will prove to be a popular addition to the existing facilities.”