£400,000 upgrades to Central Park in Park Farm, Ashford, begin

Work to install an eye-catching £400,000 play area and outdoor gym at an Ashford park has begun.

The upgrades to Central Park in Park Farm include an accessible roundabout, a toddlers' multiplay unit with a slide, and a sensory play area as part of plans to improve access to free health and wellbeing activities.

It comes as part of Ashford Borough Council’s £1.1m investment under its 'play regeneration programme' which was approved last year.

The new outdoor gym, which will replace the current infant play area, will have a range of equipment for strength, balance, stability and agility training.

New seating, picnic tables and bins will also be installed to provide communal spaces and access to the park in Bluebell Road will also be improved.

There will also be a number of swings including a basket swing, a parent and child multi-swing and a rope swing.

Part of the work will include expanding the size of the play area to accommodate the new equipment, providing a new path from the main footpath, and closing off the two entrances that lead into the parking area.

The work started this week and is expected to be complete by the start of November.

The first phase involves taking out most of the old equipment while leaving recent additions that the community fundraised for which will be integrated into the new design.

The new facilities and layout have been based on the results of a public consultation which took place earlier this year, including with the Park Farm Playground Community Group.

A workshop was held with local children with additional needs and their parents to consult on bringing in new inclusive and accessible play features, allowing people of all abilities and ages to play together with no restrictions.

Cllr Matthew Forest (Con), portfolio holder for environment, property and recreation said: “Ashford Borough Council is committed to providing high quality recreation and sports facilities for its communities.

"Much work has gone in partnership with the local parish council and the community to bring this design to life.

"The new play area and outdoor gym facilities will provide thousands more resident’s access to accessible outside recreation.

"I am excited to see work begin and looking forward to the community having a new improved space for fitness and wellbeing and enjoying spending time with family and friends.”

An official opening will be organised when the works are complete.