Council improving play facilities and open spaces across the borough

Rectory way, Kennington, a small public open space will receive £77,000 worth of upgrades from Section 106 (S106) funding to revitalise the play area. The new design has been guided by the natural landscape, adopting a fresh approach to enhance the space.

The play area has been reimagined to create a more inviting environment, improving play facilities for young children while retaining elements of the existing equipment.

These improvements ensure clear sightlines throughout the space, with pathways no longer dividing the area. The addition of new benches, along with the integration of the natural landscape, aims to transport Rectory Way into a rejuvenated and vibrant community space.

The council will also be undertaking a further £100,000, from a maintenance budget, worth of repairs across three other play areas: Westhawk Farm Play Park, Kingsnorth, School Road Play Area, Hothfield and Henley Meadow, Tenterden. These repairs aim to maintain high-quality play facilities in the area.

The council remains committed to improving local spaces by making them safer, more accessible and enhancing them through a landscape-first approach that utilises natural features in open spaces. This includes selecting play equipment designed to develop and challenge young people, helping them build confidence through play.

This year the council has spent over £200,000 of S106 funding to improve a mixture of open spaces.

Earlier this year the council completed the regeneration of Noakes Meadow, South Ashford, which included a new playground, an outdoor gym and redesigning the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).

Applying new research, the council ensured the MUGA has smaller fences compared the traditional MUGA’s to make the space more welcoming for all to foster safer and more inclusive communities.

Other examples of this approach include the new MUGA at Ryland Road, Kennington, which also now includes a painted Pickle Ball court and the ongoing improvements at Hythe Recreation Ground, Willesborough.

Cllr Kate Walder, Portfolio Holder for Parks and Recreation at Ashford Borough council, said: “As a council we continuously look at how we can improve our play and open space facilities in the borough to help young people’s development but also ensure the facilities on offer are inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

“I am pleased that so many residents will benefit from these updates and enhancements to their local area for many years to come.”

More information on other recent play area refurbishments including Noakes Meadow, Victoria Park and the council's previous £1.1m Play Regeneration Programme; Spearpoint Recreation Ground, Ryland Road and Central Park can be found on our play area improvements webpage.