Innovative new play areas were official launched ysterday in Pencester Gardens in Dover and Marke Wood in Walmer following work by Dover District Council and a successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund's Children's Play Programme.
Modern facilities include exciting themed areas built to encourage creative play, and feature landscaped design and structured equipment. The Pencester Gardens area includes a castle theme and a zip wire feature, and the Marke Wood design includes a multi-use climbing frame and a special circular story-telling area.
The work has been funded by a £257,702 award from the Big Lottery Fund's Children's Play Programme, with Dover District Council. Designs for the play areas were agreed following extensive public consultation.
Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Cabinet Member for Access and Property Management, said: "These exciting new inclusive facilities for Dover and Walmer provide a great space for children to play, and are an important part of our ongoing commitment to improve strategic sites across the area, in keeping with the District Play Strategy."
Big Lottery Fund Head of South East region, Alison Rowe, said: "The Dover and Walmer projects are excellent examples of how the Children's Play programme is a fantastic investment for children, families and communities across the South East. Play is a vital factor in a child's physical, emotional and social development, so with the right play provision, we hope that people will feel confident to allow their children to play beyond the home and enjoy the wealth of benefits that play brings."
