Patrons: Graham Gooch, Peter Holmes, The Breeze

Play and Resoure Centre (PARC)
Discovery Centre
Great Notley Country Park
Great Notley
CM7 8FS

Tel: 01376 528999
Fax: 01376 348767



The concept of a purpose-built outdoor adventure playground and indoor resource centre, where children with disabilities can enjoy themselves while their carers have a break, was the initiative of a group of parents who have disabled children and realise all too clearly the desperate need for such facilities. At present, children have to travel some distance to find a suitable centre. Consequently, the PARC project was started as a voluntary initiative to establish a permanent facility in Mid Essex.


We are delighted to announce that Braintree District Council and Countryside Strategic Properties PLC have provided a site on which to build the PARC. The greatNotley 100 acres Country Park - home to the award winning Discovery Centre - will be the location.Building approval for the PARC has been granted and a long term lease agreed.

Funding has already been secured through Esses Chronicle 'Charity of the Year' appeal, the Essex Community Foundation; local organisations, including Chelmsford Golf Club, the Ladies Circle 182 and Braintree & Witham Rotoract; and generous individual donations. However much still has to be done to raise the £400,000 required to build the centre and the £75,000 for specialised equipment before PARC (Mid Essex) opens its doors to over 1500 children with disabilities.






With specialist and dual use play equipment (for disabled and non-disabled children).

Indoor building that will house a soft play area, a playroom, a sensory room and an information centre.

To offer carers a break while disabled children have fun in a supervised play centre.

To provide activities for disabled children while parents take time to go shopping or spend time with other children in their family.

Offering appropriate facilities and surroundings for disabled teenagers and young people.

Pre-school group activities.




This is a unique opportunity for the children of Essex who requires special facilities to allow them to play and have fun. YOU can help make the PARC dream a reality as an individual, tam, a business or a local organisation. The PARC team looks forward to hearing from you..!