Brand new play area coming to Spearpoint Recreation Ground

Residents will soon see the build of a brand new play and fitness area at Spearpoint Recreation Ground, Kennington, with 65 new play features, inviting all ages to have fun

Construction will be starting next week, 14 November 2022, and is due to be completed and open for the community to enjoy over the festive bank holiday period. UPDATE - due to weather conditions the start date for construction has unfortunately been pushed back, with works now potentially leading into the New Year. 

The play area will be split into zones with easy access between each, for infants, toddlers, juniors, teens, with a respite and fitness area.

The infant and toddlers areas are full of spinning, sliding and swinging features ready to explore with multiplay units, rockers, spinners, swings including you&me seats and an inclusive roundabout. A bespoke Heinkel Plane for toddlers is included and will commemorate the heritage of the site.

A key area for sensory and respite can be enjoyed, with sensory play panels including a hello sign language and hello braille, fun point respite zone with a hangout pod and a rainwheel for children who will benefit from this unique play experience.

Older children will get to enjoy an impressive variation in play opportunities at every level, with climbing the junior play tower and jungle dome, pendulum swing, a 20m double racing cableway, hill climbers and multiple slides.

The new fitness equipment, for beginners through to pros, includes a pull up station, suspension trainer and a wheelchair accessible arm bike.

You can download the free Kompan app to watch a demonstration video, with useful tips, on how to use the equipment. With the new city bike, you can control the resistance, with instant feedback on speed, distance and calories burned.

Make a day of it, bring along your picnic, and use the benches and wheelchair friendly tables to enjoy the open space.

The new facilities will be located to the south east of the pavilion heading towards the tennis courts. A new footpath leading from the pavilion, around the football pitch, through to the new outdoor gym and play area will be installed to provide great access to the new facilities all year around.

Once the new play area is installed it is planned that three new trees will be planted adjacent to the play area to provide extra screening to neighbouring properties and shade.

£360,000 was committed to this project and is the final play area to go under construction from the council’s £1.1m investment – The Play Regeneration Programme. Approved by Cabinet in September 2021 to provide local communities with high quality and accessible play and outdoor gym facilities.

Cllr Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Property and Recreation said “The new play equipment and gym facility will provide an exciting outdoor experience, and the accessible equipment ensures the fun will be available to even more people.

“These investments mean thousands more residents have access to high-quality, accessible outside recreation and contribute to the fitness and wellbeing of our communities.

“Rylands Road and Central Park are nearing completion and we look forward to welcoming the communities back to enjoy the brand new spaces.”