Opening date announced for £1.2 million Buccaneer Bay play park in Dartford

The opening date has been announced for a pirate-themed playground.

Buccaneer Bay, in Central Park, Dartford, is set to open officially from March 13, however there will be a free two-day ticketed grand opening for families on the weekend of March 11.

At the grand opening, there will be giveaways and pirate activities.

Familiar features of the play area such as the zipline and splash are still present, however, they have been given a revamp to fit the pirate theme.

The park covers two-and-a-half acres and has been extended to include an enclosed space for families and a picnic area – making it among the biggest of its kind in the UK.

Visitors will be able to explore a pirate ship, clamber over animals in Porpoise Bay and Crab Island before climbing an eight metre tall lighthouse.

There will also be a zip-line, new equipment such as slides and swings and new water features.

Quieter, sensory zones and the pirate-themed space has been designed to ensure it is inclusive and accessible.

Work started on November 14 last year, when the original play area was closed.

Dartford council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite said: "The response we’ve had since announcing Buccaneer Bay last year has been amazing.

"Central Park is already a much loved destination for families, but this new attraction takes it to another level for everyone to enjoy.

"The transformation of this play area over the last few months has been inspiring to see, and we can’t wait to share it with families."

Over the past 12 months, Dartford council has been working with Kompan on improving play spaces at Darenth Country Park, Jessamine Place, Queens Garden, at the Bridge Estate, and Hesketh Park, which is currently having a makeover.

Stuart Pettit, regional sales manager for the southern region at Kompan UK, said: "We are extremely proud to have been involved in this hugely exciting project.

"We look forward to welcoming children to this inclusive, exhilarating play space where they can unleash their imaginations and immerse themselves in a swashbuckling pirate adventure."