Northbourne Avenue and Elms Vale play areas opened

Exciting new-look play areas in Elms Vale Recreation Ground and Northbourne Avenue in Dover have been launched today.

The play areas have been redesigned with new equipment and play features, and the high quality inclusive designs were developed in consultation with the local community. New equipment includes zip wires, new swings for toddlers and juniors, balancing nature trails and spinning units at both sites, with extensive landscaping improvements.

The areas were 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. This included direct work with the community, particularly focusing on children and young people, and pupils from Priory Fields School joined Council representatives at the play areas for the launch today.

The areas have been largely funded by money secured by Dover District Council through planning agreements.

The work is part of DDC's commitment to develop strategic play areas across the district and upgrade some existing facilities to strategic status. This has included improvements at Victoria Park in Deal, as well as Kearsney Abbey, Russell Gardens, Pencester Gardens, Marke Wood, Connaught Park, and the Butts play areas.

Cllr Sue Chandler, DDC Cabinet Member for Community, Housing and Youth, said: "We are delighted to open further renovated play areas, and would like to thank all the local children and members of the community who helped us with the design."

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Cabinet Member for Access and Property Management said: "We are very pleased to launch these innovative new areas. This is another great example of how we are working with our communities for the future of the district."