Connaught Park Play Area Officially Opened

An exciting and creative new play area for Connaught Park in Dover has been officially opened this week.

The high quality design was developed in consultation with the local community, and includes features such as a zip wire, large climbing boulder and a tube slide. There is a toddlers' area that contains traditional equipment, such as cradle swings and a sandpit, and a range of inclusive features, such as a wheelchair accessible roundabout. The design includes landscaping elements, natural boulders and planting. It was developed in partnership with the community through a series of consultation events, carried out by the Kent Children's Fund Network, on behalf of Dover District Council.

The new play area has been funded by DDC and the Playbuilder programme. The Playbuilder funding is provided by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, supported by Play England, and administered by Kent County Council.

Cllr Sue Chandler, DDC Cabinet Member for Community, Housing and Youth said: "We are delighted to be able to open another exciting play area in our district. As with our other new areas at Pencester Gardens and Marke Wood, we would like to thank local children and members of the community who have helped us with the design. We are now looking forward to opening new play facilities at Russell Gardens and Kearsney Abbey in time for the summer."

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Cabinet Member for Access and Property Management, said: "We are very pleased to launch this new play area, and to have worked with community partners to deliver these innovative and accessible facilities. We continue to work to provide creative play facilities for the district, and these new facilities form an important part of our ongoing commitment to improve strategic sites across the district."

KCC Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Sarah Hohler, said: "It is wonderful that another play area has been made possible by a Playbuilder grant. I do hope that children and young people living in the area will enjoy the facilities for many years to come."