Spearpoint Recreation Ground brand new play area now open

Local children, families and residents, attended the opening ceremony of Spearpoint Recreation Ground’s brand new play area on Monday 13 February.

The Mayor of Ashford, Councillor Jenny Webb, performed the ribbon cutting ceremony alongside Ashford Borough Council and Kennington Community Council members. There were free hot drinks available (provided by Kennington Community Council).

Spearpoint Recreation Ground play area is situated in Kennington, Ashford, and has officially reopened following a £360,000 investment.

The play area has been split into zones with easy access between each, for infants, toddlers, juniors, teens, a respite area and fitness area. It features 65 new play activities, with equipment for all abilities.

The infant and toddler zones feature lots of spinning, swinging and sliding options to entertain, including a bespoke Heinkel Plane to commemorate the heritage of the site.

For older children there are multiple play options over varying levels, with a junior play tower and jungle dome, a pendulum swing and an exciting 20m double racing cableway.

For young people who may benefit from a bit of time out or a quieter area to play, there is the respite and sensory area. Some of the new equipment in this area includes sensory play panels - a hello sign language and hello braille, a hangout pod and rainwheel.

Working with Kompan on the design and construction of the play area, recycled materials have been used in parts throughout, with the toddler four tower multiplay unit manufactured predominantly from post-consumer plastic including recycled ocean waste.

Residents will be able to make a day of it when visiting the recreation ground with brand new benches and picnic tables installed which are wheelchair friendly. 

Also installed at Spearpoint Recreation Ground and part of the overall footprint of the play area is a new fitness zone. The new fitness equipment is suitable for beginners through to pros.

As part of the play area improvements a new footpath has been placed, leading from the pavilion, around the football pitch and then through to the new outdoor gym and play area, providing access all year round.

Now the play area has been installed, three new trees will be planted adjacent to the play area to provide extra screening to neighbouring properties and provide shade.

Cllr Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Property and Recreation said “It was brilliant to see the so many of the local community come along to the grand opening and seeing children get to explore the endless play opportunities on the brand new equipment.

“It is important to provide children of all ages a safe place to play and the new play area is a fantastic addition to the to the facilities available at Spearpoint Recreation Ground.”