Maldon District Council officially opens the ‘Secret Garden’ area in Promenade Park
Published on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025
Maldon District Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the second phase of a project to overhaul and modernise the much-loved ‘Secret Garden’ area in Promenade Park.
The opening took place on Monday 22 December, marking another milestone in the Council’s commitment to creating inclusive and engaging spaces for residents and visitors.
An official opening ceremony was held on Monday 22 December, with the area being formally opened by Chairman of the Council - Cllr Kevin Lagan, who was joined by his granddaughter – Quinn, the Council’s Chief Executive - Doug Wilkinson, Maldon East Ward Member - Cllr Andrew Lay, and Kompan Area Sales Manager – Steven Elliott.
The latest phase of the project introduces an additional inclusive play area, featuring interactive play boards, natural play elements, and a dedicated sensory garden. These additions complement the existing play facilities in this area of the park, providing a wider range of inclusive play options for children of all ages.
The sensory area has been carefully designed to stimulate the senses and create a calming, interactive environment. It features a variety of plants chosen for their sensory qualities, including lavender, rosemary, and lamb’s ear, offering a rich combination of textures, scents, and colours. This space aims to promote wellbeing and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of nature in a welcoming setting.
Following the opening ceremony, Cllr Kevin Lagan, Chairman of Maldon District Council, said: “We are proud to see the completion of this exciting project, which reflects our commitment to making the District a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. The new play area and sensory garden provide fantastic opportunities for children and families to enjoy Promenade Park together. This investment demonstrates how we are working to create spaces that celebrate accessibility, nature, and the community.”
Construction work for the play area was carried out by Kompan, who have successfully delivered play facilities across the District in 2024, including projects in Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch. The sensory garden was developed with support from the Council’s Assets, Coast and Countryside officers, ensuring a thoughtful and sustainable design.
This project has been made possible through funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which supports initiatives that enhance local communities and improve quality of life.
Notes:
- Additional planting will continue into spring 2026 as more species become available.
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