Work is set to begin bringing a swish new accessible play area and outdoor gym to Central Park, Park Farm, Ashford.
Equipment
People will be able to enjoy exciting new facilities including an all-inclusive flush roundabout and multi tower multiplay unit with a slide, a sensory play zone and a wide range of swings including a basket swing, parent/child multi swing and a multi person rope swing, and for the toddlers there are a number of items including a toddler multiplay unit with slide.
Outdoor Gym
The new outdoor gym area, which will go in the place of the existing infant play area, has a range of equipment for strength, balance, stability and agility training, to improve access to free health and wellbeing activities in the community.
Picnics
New seating, picnic tables and bins will be in place to provide a communal space, accessible for all.
Part of the work will include expanding the size of the play area to house the new equipment, provide a new path from the main footpath and closing off the two entrances that lead into the vehicle area.
Work will also be carried out to improve access and view of the island area and the placing of new picnic benches.
The work is due to start on from Monday 5 September and is expected to be complete by the start of November.
A workshop was held with local children with additional needs and their parents to consult on bringing in new inclusive and accessible play features, allowing people of all abilities and ages to play together with no restrictions.
The project will cost £400,000 and is part of the council’s £1.1m investment – The Play Regeneration Programme approved by Cabinet in September 2021.
Cllr Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Property and Recreation said: “The new play area and outdoor gym facilities will provide thousands more resident’s access to accessible outside recreation.
I am excited to see work begin and looking forward to the community having a new improved space for fitness and wellbeing and enjoying spending time with family and friends.”
An official opening will take place once the works are completed. Details of the opening will be announced in due course.