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Consultation
Dover District Council will be running community consultation at Elms Vale Play Area in Dover from Monday 24th August to Thursday 17th September.
This follows news cabinet approval to release funds from section 106 monies and from the council to proceed with the project. Public consultation is now being run in order to find out what people would like to see improved for the existing play area.
Join us at Elms Vale Recreaction Ground on Friday 28th August 11:00 - 14:00 to suggest your improvements for each site:
If you are unable to make the consultation, online questionnaires can be completed below:
Notes:
- Subject to planning approval, this project will run in conjuction with the redevelopment of the joining Multi Use Games Area. Works are expected to take place for both facilities in Early Spring 2027.
Playground Fund Scheme
Dover District Council has been pre-selected as part of the governments new £18 Million playground fund scheme, with Dover being one of the 66 local authorities chosen to create, improve or enhance play areas in areas of greatest need.
An expression of interest has been submitted during August 2026 from the council in order to proceed further that confirms the 3 existing Dover sites chosen conform with the standards required for funding. This included undertaking public consultation in order to find out what people would like to see improved for the existing 3 sites chosen by the council. The three chosen sites are:
- Pencester Gardens, Dover
- Connaught Park, Dover
- Northbourne Avenue, Dover
For further information on the playground funding, please visit £18 million Playground Fund - GOV.UK
Notes:
- Unfortunately due to requirements, it has not been possible to use this funding for other council owned sites within the district outside of Dover.
- If successful, it is expected these refurbishments will take place during Spring 2028 following a tender process
New Inclusive Play Area Opens at Kearsney Abbey
A new £155,000 play area was officially opened at Kearsney Abbey on the 17th July 2026, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by DDC Chairman Cllr Susan Beer. The redesigned facility features a large multi-play unit with slides, tunnels, climbing equipment and interactive play features for children and young people up to 14 years old.
The play area has a strong focus on accessibility and inclusive play, with equipment including a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and trampoline, a basket swing, multi-user seesaw, sensory play features and supported swing seating.
The project was funded by Dover District Council and the National Lottery Awards for All scheme, following consultation with the local community. It forms part of wider investment in play facilities across the district.