A NEW "coastal inspired" playground has been unveiled by an award-winning housing developer. 

City & Country has officially launched its new state-of-the-art playground area at its Sanderling Reach development, on Mersea Island.

The new playground was designed with nature and natural play in mind, offering a safe environment in which families on Mersea Island can have fun. 

The natural play area offers a balance trail, which includes logs, stepping stones and boulders, as well as wooden hurdles leading to a slide and complimentary swing set.

Seating is also supplied around the playground for parents to use whilst watching their children play.

The playground has now been named Sandy Reach by the 1st Mersea Guides group, which was invited to visit the park to give it its very own name.

Many creative, island-themed names were suggested by the group, including Oyster Park and Coral Park.

After enjoying refreshments in the Sales and Marketing Suite, the Guides group – as well as their leaders – took to the climbing frames in their newly-named park.

1st Mersea Guides Leader, Diana, said; “It was such a lovely opportunity to see and visit the play area the girls’ have named themselves!

“It’s a really lovely activity to be involved with and something I’m sure they will remember fondly for years to come.”

City & Country has more than 60 years’ experience in the restoration and conservation of historic and listed buildings.

It has won 112 awards – including accolades from Evening Standard New Homes Awards.

Shelley West, group sales and marketing director at City & Country, said: “Sanderling Reach is made for the community.

“The newly installed play area will offer families a wonderfully creative and safe environment to enjoy quality time outdoors."

The 1st Mersea Guides is a group for young girls and is currently looking for volunteers to join their leadership team.

To contact the group email merseaguides@gmail.com.