Coe’s Meadow Community Survey 2025 Results

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Prepared by the Coe’s Meadow Management Committee

Introduction

Coe’s Meadow is a meadow, recreation area and children’s playground in Bulmer, a village situated between Sudbury and Halstead. The meadow and playground were created and installed over 20 years ago and is managed by volunteers within Bulmer village; the Coe’s Meadow Management Committee (CMMC). The playground is now nearing end of life and items of play equipment need to be replaced and improved. It is estimated that a full playground replacement could cost up to £150,000 to ensure a similar facility and rural aesthetic is maintained.

The playground is currently located on grass, with rubber matting and is of wood construction, featuring items with a rural and nature-based theme.

The Coe’s Meadow Management Committee want to ensure any project to replace the playground equipment meets the requirements of our community. It is hoped that this survey will give residents and park users an opportunity to identify what they value in any future playground development and ensure the needs of users across the user demographic are met.

The Survey

This report summarises the results of the community survey carried out in 2025 by the Coe’s Meadow Management Committee, which was held to gather the views of Bulmer residents and Coe’s Meadow users on the future of Coe’s Meadow and the village playground. As the current play equipment is reaching the end of its life, the CMMC wants to ensure that any replacement or improvement project reflects the needs, priorities, and aspirations of the community.

By obtaining the views of residents and users, the Coes’ Meadow Management Committee hope to:

• Identify the types of play equipment and facilities that are most valued.
• Ensure the playground is inclusive, safe, and enjoyable for children of all ages and abilities.
• Understand the wider community preferences.
• Shape a development plan that supports Coe’s Meadow to be a welcoming space for families and future generations.

The Survey Results

This report summarises the results of the community survey carried out in 2025 by the Coe’s Meadow Management Committee, which was held to gather the views of Bulmer residents and Coe’s Meadow users on the future of Coe’s Meadow and the village playground. As the current play equipment is reaching the end of its life, the CMMC wants to ensure that any replacement or improvement project reflects the needs, priorities, and aspirations of the community.

By obtaining the views of residents and users, the Coes’ Meadow Management Committee hope to:

• Identify the types of play equipment and facilities that are most valued.

• Ensure the playground is inclusive, safe, and enjoyable for children of all ages and abilities.

• Understand the wider community preferences.

• Shape a development plan that supports Coe’s Meadow to be a welcoming space for families and future generations.

Summary of Results

The online survey was distributed via social media and via the village newsletter, running through November and December 2025 and receiving 69 responses.

Of the 69 respondents, 43% use the park weekly and 25% monthly, with 10 (15%) users being daily visitors. Most of these respondents, 85%, care for children; 24% being under 4 years old, 42% between 5 and 11 years old, and 24% being over 12 years old. The most popular activities undertaken in the meadow are family play, dog walking and socialising, as well as football and games.

Concerns

Respondents were asked whether they felt the park met their needs. 60% of respondents believed it did with the remaining 40% being either unsure or thinking not, primarily due to these reasons:

• Old play equipment requiring repair or replacement.

• Lack of toilet facilities.

• Paths and carpark in disrepair.

• Play equipment functionality not appropriate or outdated.

It was mentioned that the path is not suitable for kid’s bikes. The stone path is used proficiently by children to practice bike riding. Cycling is not permitted on the Lime Avenue (tarmac path).

Of the respondents, 10% were not confident that there weren’t barriers to them using the meadow. One user mentioned that there is not a path from the school, facilitating chairs to be pushed. This is beyond the control of CMMC, but we support this concern. Others commented on the lack of parking and the state of the carpark. Another user was concerned by rabbit holes and the state of the paths. Having acknowledged the state of paths, the CMMC have recently done some work to widen the paths to their normal width and have plans to improve the carpark surface.

Improvements

We asked what improvements visitors would like to see made to the park. Here is a summary of the suggestions and CMMC’s responses:

Disabilities and sensory needs

Four, 6% of respondents said that children in their care have disabilities or sensory needs. CMMC would like to integrate play options for these needs so it is useful to know that there will be a benefit within the community.

Benefit to the community

Respondents believe that the primary benefit of a new playground is to encourage family and social interaction and improve child development.

Play equipment preference

Respondents were asked what play equipment they would like to see in the playground. Swings are favoured for both under 5’s and over 5’s. Climbing frames targeted at each age group are also popular. We suggested an agility trail for older children, and this is certainly the most popular option. For younger children, imaginative play equipment is favoured. One parent highlighted that the current playhouses are very popular with the children and it would be a shame to lose these. CMMC will consider all the responses and plan for a selection of equipment that is both popular and inclusive.

Games, sports and fitness

Of all the other equipment on Coe’s Meadow, the basketball surface and football goal are the most popular and there is demand for the table tennis table and outdoor fitness equipment.

Material of equipment

To maintain aesthetic, the priority is to install equipment of made wood. However, cost may force a compromise on this. The survey has identified that there is not a big objection to any material type but there is a slight reluctance towards plastic.

Keeping Coe’s Meadow welcoming and safe

Respondents told us what makes the meadow welcoming and safe for them. CMMC will endeavour to ensure these attributes are retained in any plans that are made.

Next Steps

The CMMC will plan the replacement of the playground to happen over the next few years and will raise any funding to make this happen. The responses of this survey will be considered in the design. CMMC will continue to involve the community when required. Thank you to everyone that completed the survey.