Florence Hayes Recreation Ground reopens with a focus on inclusive play

We’re pleased to share that Florence Hayes Recreation Ground has reopened following a closure to deliver improvements as part of Enfield Council’s Shaping Edmonton programme.

This redevelopment has been shaped by feedback from the local community and has a clear focus: to create a space where all children and families feel welcome. A key priority has been improving access to play, with the park being redesigned to provide inclusive and accessible play opportunities for children of all ages, needs and abilities.

The renewed play area has been carefully developed to support different types of play and ensure that children can enjoy the space together, regardless of their needs. New equipment has been introduced to support sensory, physical and social play, helping to create a more inclusive environment.

Within the park there is step free access, with a tarmac path that can take you around the space. There are also rubber mulch safety surfaces which are wheelchair and pushchair friendly. New benches and picnic tables have been designed to be inclusive for wheelchair users. An important change is self-closing gates at both park entrances to keep children enclosed and safe in the park.

We’ve highlighted some of the key new inclusive play features below:

Inclusive play features

Each play station has simple signage explaining how to play there.

	Slide with rope climbing and sloped pathway Children can climb up the mound using the ropes or walk up a step free access to the slide.
	Scooter track A space for children to scoot, cycle or roll their way around the track.
	Climbing frame Designed with bright, contrasting colours, to help with visibility.
	Sensory trail Several sensory features are located around the park.
	Basket swing An existing basket swing has been relocated to the front of the park; children of all abilities can use the swing.
	Toddler play space Suitable for younger children, with animal themed rockers.
	Imaginative play Play markings located across the park.
	Upgraded Multi Use Games Area With a new surface and markings.

Beyond the play area, improvements across the park help make the space more welcoming and easier to use for everyone. A new landmark play feature near the Fore Street entrance creates a stronger sense of arrival, while changes to planting and tree canopies open views into the park and improve visibility.

Existing mounds have been improved to support climbing and sliding, encouraging imaginative and adventurous play. New accessible seating and picnic areas provide comfortable places for parents and carers to spend time, and the refreshed Multi-Use Games Area offers more opportunities for a range of activities.

Together, these changes create a park that is more inclusive, more welcoming and better connected to the community it serves. We look forward to welcoming you back to Florence Hayes Recreation Ground and seeing how people use and enjoy the new space.

How to visit Florence Hayes Recreation Ground

There is a bus stop immediately outside the park, served by bus routes 149, 259, 279 and 349. Car parking is available on nearby residential streets, other than from 12 noon to 9pm on event days at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Details of upcoming events and parking restrictions can be found on the Tottenham Hotspur website.