Last week teachers across Essex visited Hadleigh Park to test the mountain bike trails for themselves following the successful schools legacy event that saw over 400 school children in July.
Attendees commented that they had had a great time and the sessions were extremely worthwhile 50% of the group had never been to the venue prior to the event and 100% of said they would return and would also recommend Hadleigh Park to friends and family
Since London 2012, Essex County Council, along with Active Essex, have been developing Hadleigh Park into a world-class sporting venue with the best mountain biking course in the country at its heart. The Park includes a visitor centre, complete with a café, ranger’s offices, outdoor children’s play area and seating and a bike shop.
Following the success of the Schools Legacy Mountain Biking event held in July, feedback from teachers was that they would like to come back and have a go for themselves, and they did!
Last week, staff from Essex schools attended our first teacher’s event at Hadleigh Park. After an introduction to the Hadleigh Park education offer, the groups from across the county had the opportunity to experience a Skills session, participate in a led ride on the course which included tackling some of the features and finally finishing with a competitive time trial on the start/finish loop.
Essex County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Sport and Physical Activity, Councillor Ray Gooding said: “The activities provided were an example of typical sessions that are now available to schools and groups.
We hope to welcome the schools back over the coming months and see thousands more children enjoy this great outdoor space and connect with their local environmen
Chairman of Active Essex, Gary Sullivan OBE said: "The Park has been designed to enable people interested in mountain biking to progress from all levels.
As well as mountain biking, there are also trails for walkers or joggers and for the whole community and education settings to explore and experience both the historical and ecological aspects of the Park. It really is the ideal setting for a great day out or educational visit.”
The Education Team are interested in working with teachers in order to create subject specific activity resources. If you are interested in this or any of the schools packages available at Hadleigh Park, Please contact:
