Artist's impressions show £1.1m upgrades planned for three play parks in Ashford

New images have been released of how three town play areas could look after a £1.1 million upgrade.

The artist's impressions show proposed play equipment for parks across Ashford at Central Park in Park Farm, Spearpoint Recreation Ground in Kennington and Rylands Road open space in Bockhanger.

CGI image of how Spearpoint Recreation Ground in Kennington could look. Picture: ABC
CGI image of how Spearpoint Recreation Ground in Kennington could look. Picture: ABC
Facilities proposed for Spearpoint. Picture: ABC
Facilities proposed for Spearpoint. Picture: ABC

The changes are part of Ashford Borough Council's Play Regeneration Programme.

A consultation on the plans for Central Park and Spearpoint Recreation Ground has opened, with residents invited to share their views.

Once that closes at the end of the month, a further consultation for new facilities along Rylands Road will be held.

For Spearpoint, it is proposed the new space would include an outdoor gym, cycle racks, seating and new footpaths.

It has been designed to complement existing football and tennis facilities as well as its trim trail.

How Central Park could look. Picture: ABC
How Central Park could look. Picture: ABC
Central Park in Park Farm could have an outdoor gym. Picture: ABC
Central Park in Park Farm could have an outdoor gym. Picture: ABC

The council also wants to slightly shift an existing footpath which runs across part of a football pitch to create a new path.

Plans show Central Park would also include an outdoor gym alongside "teen play" provisions, benches and tables, cycle racks and the remodelling of the space to improve access.

When the consultation for Rylands Road does eventually open, it will consider creating a new "recreational hub" space.

The vision includes an outdoor gym, a multi-use games area, seating, cycle racks and new footpaths and landscaping.

The proposals come as upgrades to the open space in Hunter Avenue in Willesborough are now complete.

The new park in Hunter Avenue is now open. Picture: ABC
The new park in Hunter Avenue is now open. Picture: ABC

The project cost £180,000 which paid for the installation of an outdoor gym, a 25m long zip wire, mini football goals and a double width slide.

While the park is already open, further outdoor gym items will be installed throughout March and a grand opening is planned for the end of April.

Another space considered for upgrades in the future is the Victoria Park play area.

As part of the Parks for People project, it's hoped the play provision will be moved and a completely new play area built.

Previous parks that have gone through refurbishment include those in Church Road, Sevington, and St Anne’s Road, both completed in 2019.

CGI images of the park upgrades proposed for Spearpoint Recreation Ground. Picture: ABC
CGI images of the park upgrades proposed for Spearpoint Recreation Ground. Picture: ABC

In 2018, Victory Hall play area in Hamstreet had a complete transformation with new equipment for all age groups – including a large boat and climbing dome.

The same year, Bridgefield Park, the largest play area in Ashford was completed.

To comment on the consultation for Central Park and Spearpoint Recreation Ground, email culture@ashford.gov.uk.

Drop-in sessions for people wanting to share views in person are also being held at Kingsnorth Recreation Centre on Friday between 3pm and 7pm, and at Spearpoint Pavilion on Monday between 3pm and 7.30pm.

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