MALDON’S Promenade Park has played host to concerts, runs, celebrations and the world famous Mud Race.

The Standard has taken a look back through the archives to find some of our best snaps of the park.

Every year the park and Hythe Quay and waterfront area welcome hundreds of visitors.

Key annual events include the Maldon Mud Race, the charity Row and Gig Race and the Maldon triathlon.

In the past it was even the location for the World’s Strongest Man competition.

The contest saw the region’s most burly blokes take part in tasks in May 1999 and 2000 in a bid to make the national finals.

Across the years music has also helped draw in the crowds to the park.

The Prom Fantasia took place on the waterfront until the early 2000s, when it was cancelled, while a Country and Music Day delighted adults and youngsters in the 1990s.

Exciting new events are also planned to take place in the park this year, including the Bubble Rush in aid of Farleigh Hospice.

It will see hundreds of runners pass through colour foam while running the 5km race.

Over the years there have been many changes to the appearance of the park.

Back in 2004 campaigners were left disappointed after the council decided to axe the park’s traditional marine lake.

Hundreds of people packed out a meeting calling for the 100-year-old attraction to be saved.

The council decided to turn the facility into an ornamental lake after the Health and Safety Executive said one option would mean 26 lifeguards would be needed on site.

In total 150 residents protested outside the council offices but councillors were not swayed when making their decision.

New attractions in Promenade Park include Splash Park, Pirates Bay Adventure golf, beach huts and a BMX track.

In the future Maldon District has plans to invest £275k to give the park a facelift.

Ideas proposed include spending up to £100,000 on a state-of-the-art play area, a further £110,000 on improving the car park and £55,000 on repairs to Park Road.

The council also wants to invest £10,000 on temporary fencing for the amphitheatre so it can be used for special events.

Further investment could be made as part of the council’s Maldon and Heybridge Masterplan.

Suggestions proposed include creating a visitor centre and restaurant in the park.

A Promenade Park management plan would also be drawn up to set out goals for the next decade.

The park may have undergone many changes through the years but it remains one of the district’s top attractions