Opening of a £180,000 renovation to open space at Noakes Meadow Image: ABC
Children were treated to free ice cream at the opening of a £180,000 renovation of the play area and open space at Noakes Meadow in South Ashford.
Ashford Mayor, Cllr Lyn Suddards, was helped by her 8-year-old grand-daughter Agatha Nutton in cutting a ribbon to officially open the new play area, which has been provided by Ashford Borough Council after it had invited local people to have their say on the planned improvements earlier in the year.
The council had secured funding under Section 106 (Local Development) and from the Housing department to make improvements to the play area and open space but due to the funding rules, it could only be spent on improving the open space and replacing and upgrading the play areas there.
Cllr Suddards said:
“There was an excellent response to the consultation and families living nearby have helped shape the final delivery of the new facilities. This is a wonderful play park and I hope that local children enjoy using the park for many years to come.”
As part of the celebrations, the council arranged for a free ice cream for the first 100 children at the launch. Among the youngsters excited to explore the new play area were children (and staff) from the Kiddie Kapers Neighbourhood Nursery in nearby Brookfield Road.
The new play area has a range of features, including a junior multiplay unit, adventure trim trail, a carousel, see-saw, hopscotch and sensory totem. There is also a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) for ball games including football and basketball plus an outdoor gym. The council worked with specialist play equipment supplier Kompan on the project.
Cllr Suddards added:
“There’s more to come. Work starts this autumn to create a wildlife space incorporating a pond and wetland, featuring planting that will attract wildlife.”