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Start date confirmed for upgrades to Spearpoint Recreation Ground in Kennington

Construction of a new £360,000 park with a play tower, a jungle dome and pendulum swing is set to start next week.

The new equipment is being installed at Spearpoint Recreation Ground in Kennington as part of Ashford Borough Council's £1.1m Play Regeneration Programme.

CGIs of how upgrades to Spearpoint Recreation Ground will look. Picture: ABC
CGIs of how upgrades to Spearpoint Recreation Ground will look. Picture: ABC

It's the last of four projects to be completed across Ashford and will see 65 new pieces of play equipment built at the site.

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 toddler areas will have spinning, sliding and swinging features with multiplay units, rockers, spinners, swings including 'you&me seats' - which allow parents and children swinging together - and an inclusive roundabout.

A bespoke Heinkel Plane for toddlers is included and will commemorate the heritage of the site.

There will also be a key area for sensory and respite.

65 new pieces of play equipment will be built at the site. Picture: ABC
65 new pieces of play equipment will be built at the site. Picture: ABC

Older children will be able to climb the junior play tower and jungle dome, use the new 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.

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 better access to the new facilities.

How the park currently looks
How the park currently looks

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

The total cost will be £360,000 for the project which is the final play area to go under construction from the council’s £1.1m investment.

Other parks included in the scheme are Central Park in Park Farm, Rylands Park in Bybrook, both of which are near completion, and Hunter Avenue in Willesborough.

It was approved by cabinet in September 2021 to provide communities with high quality and accessible play and outdoor gym facilities.

Cllr Matthew Forest (Con), 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.

There will also be a key area for sensory and respite. Picture: ABC
There will also be a key area for sensory and respite. Picture: ABC

“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.”

Construction will begin on Monday and should be completed in time for the festive bank holiday period.

Last week a shopping trolley was wedged into the new equipment at Central Park by yobs - before the park has even opened.

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