Hylands Park, Hornchurch new playground opens today

The work, which has been funded by a £75,000 grant given to Havering Council from the Veolia Environmental Trust, involved expanding the existing playground and introducing a quieter, sensory zone.

A wheelchair swing, the "first of its kind" in Havering, has also been implemented.

This will only be accessible to families who are given a special key to operate it.

The playground has opened(Image: Pete Barrett)

The new build has been open to the public for the first time today (September 30).

A Havering Council spokesperson said: “The new play area will create an exciting and innovative recreation area for all children, but with a particular focus on children with special educational needs.

MORE NEWS: The Hornchurch school offering pupils help to re-engage with lessons

 “The play area comes in response to feedback from Havering families on priorities for special educational needs and disabilties (SEND) families in the local area, and in collaboration with Havering SEND Family Voice who supported the council in how the local area could better engage SEND children with parks and open spaces.

 “Among its features will be a wheelchair swing, which is the first of its kind in a park in the borough.

The playground has a wheelchair swing(Image: Pete Barrett)

"It will be key-operated, and we are arranging for keys to be distributed to relevant families."

Plans are also in place for a "wildflower labyrinth" which is forecasted for spring 2026.

The drone images were taken by Hornchurch-based photographer Pete Barrett on September 28.

Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, previously said: “We’re really pleased that we’ve been awarded this £75k grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust to support exciting new developments aimed at improving accessibility and biodiversity.

“Working closely with Havering SEND Family Voice, we are delivering a more inclusive and engaging experience for children of all abilities."