Roding Valley recreation ground

More on leisure activities in Loughton, and Events

Outdoor Gym
Loughton Town Council (LRA-led) has set up an outdoor gym at the end of Roding Road, LRA Cllr Suzanne Harper (who chairs the Town Council's Recreation Committee), said: "The gym appeals to all age groups and those who would not normally go to an indoor gym. We see it as a great way to promote health and fitness for everyone, free".

The cost of this new facility has been met by the Town Council and by grants from the Awards for All (Big Lottery Fund) and Essex County Council's West Area Forum. The Town Council hopes to run introductory sessions in from time to time; it also hopes to provide a similar facility on the Willingale Road playing fields in due course.

Other recreational facilities.

The outdoor gym forms part of the Town Council’s forward plans to improve the facilities at the Roding Valley Recreation Ground. The tennis courts have been resurfaced, and internal fencing provided so you no longer have to chase after missed balls, and a multi sports court (5 a side and basket-ball) has been added.

The works on the courts are nearing completion with only the installation of the cricket wicket, signage and the repainting of the playing lines outstanding. Officers are working to secure funding through various sports organisations for free training sessions during the Easter school holidays. See pictures

A “teen shelter” was installed in 2006, and the children’s play area was refurbished in 2007. An additional park warden employed from June 2010 to improve maintenance of the area and provide reassurance for users.

The Council’s next project, currently in the planning stages, is to improve the football changing rooms and car park area to provide a community café and toilet – they are keen to encourage more people to use this wonderful amenity, but without spoiling the quiet nature of the area.

Roding Valley Lake
In 2010 the lake became a crime scene and had to be partially drained in the search for evidence. This resulted in the closure of the disabled fishing platforms, and raised concerns about the wildlife, fish stocks and foliage and trees around the lake that depended on a high water table. There was a campaign to re-fill the lake after the police investigation was over but the District Council decided to let the lake re-fill naturally mainly because of the costs involved. The lake is now back to normal levels, fish stocks have held up well, and LRA Cllr Ken Angold-Stephens has persuaded the Council to re-open the fishing platforms. There remains an issue over illegal or irresponsible fishing and Ken is working with the Roding Valley Fishing club to address this issue. They are currently negotiating with the District Council over whether it is possible for them to have bailiff rights whilst still keeping the lake freely available for public fishing.