Old Heath Recreation Ground
🏟 Playground & park · Old Heath, Colchester
Old Heath Recreation Ground
A free recreation ground in Old Heath, Colchester, with a children's playground, basketball, goals, a youth shelter and a free outdoor gym.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open access green space; no published closing times. · Free · No booking needed
📍 Location & directions
🗺️ Show map ▾
Address: Old Heath Road, Colchester, CO1 2HR
Plus Code: 9F32VWJ9+F9
About Old Heath Recreation Ground
Old Heath Recreation Ground is a free, open-access recreation ground in the Old Heath and the Hythe area of Colchester, maintained by Colchester City Council. It is one of the 81 council-managed playgrounds across the city and sits among the residential streets off Old Heath Road, serving as a well-used local green space for families and sports players alike. The children's playground is complemented by a youth shelter, basketball hoop, football goals and free outdoor gym equipment, so the site caters for toddlers, older children and adults wanting to keep active. Alongside the play facilities there is a bowls provision and open grassland for informal games and kickabouts. The council lists the recreation ground among its sports and recreation grounds, and in 2025 it invited expressions of interest in running a community cafe at the site, reflecting its role as a neighbourhood hub. Street parking is available nearby. As with the council's other recreation grounds, entry is completely free and the open space can be enjoyed throughout the day, making it a practical, no-cost option for families in south-east Colchester looking for somewhere close to home to play.
⭐ What makes this place special
- outdoor gym (free of charge)
- bowls
- football pitch
- open grassland
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Parking: Street parking is available nearby.
🧒 Ages & play
- children's play equipment
- youth shelter
- basketball
- goals
- outdoor gym equipment
📍 Nearby places to play
- Castle Park · approx 0.9 miles · Town Centre
- High Woods Country Park · approx 2.0 miles · Highwoods
- King George V Playing Field · approx 3.0 miles · Lexden
Explore more:
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Old Heath Recreation Ground free to visit?
Yes. Old Heath Recreation Ground is maintained by Colchester City Council and is free to use, including the playground and outdoor gym.
Is there a children's playground at Old Heath Recreation Ground?
Yes. There is a children's playground, along with a youth shelter, basketball hoop and football goals.
Is there an outdoor gym at Old Heath Recreation Ground?
Yes. The recreation ground has free-to-use outdoor gym equipment alongside the children's play area.
Is there parking at Old Heath Recreation Ground?
There is no dedicated car park, but street parking is available nearby.
What else is there to do at Old Heath Recreation Ground?
As well as the playground and outdoor gym, there is basketball, football goals, a bowls provision and open grassland for informal games.