There is a large are of open parks to the east of South Woodham Ferrers bordered by Ferrers Road and Creekview Road. This is divided into Saltcoats Park and Compass Gardens.

Playing fields at Saltcoats Park - South Woodham Ferrers

Saltcoats is a large expanse of grass containing playing fields for various sports such as football, rugby and cricket. There is also a childrens' swing park and sports pavilion.

Compass Gardens lies closer to the town centre and provides a laid out recreational area with a skateboard ramp, another small playpark and concrete paths through a formal garden with anchor focal points and flower beds.

There are few benches around the central part of the gardens.

Compass Gardens contain a small car park to one side. The gates to the car park and gardens are locked at dusk.

Anchors are used as focal points	Pampas grass flowers in spectacular clumps in late summer

The Skateboard area and skateboard ramp