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Future Play Area Renovations - 2026
An exciting play area upgrade is set to swing into action for Kearsney Abbey during Spring of 2026 thanks to funding from the National Lottery ‘Awards For All’ Scheme and Dover District Councils Special Revenue Projects Programme.
This follows Dover District Councils ambition to continue developing and improving play areas across the district since the national drive by government to raise the profile of play and produce local play strategies.
Consultation work had been undertaken with the local community and on site at the play area during the summer of 2025.
The works to upgrade the facility are being carried out by HAGS SMP Ltd who were awarded the contract following a tender process. Works are due to start in April 2026 and are set be completed by July 2026 subject to ground and weather conditions.
The newly design play space incorporates a stand out multiplay unit which includes a variety of features including slides, tunnels, firemans pole, climbing walls and net seating, some of which are accessible.
The space additionally provides equipment for children up to 14 years, with a particular focus to improve inclusive play equipment to cater for all abilities. The inclusive equipment includes:
- Wheelchair accessible roundabout.
- Wheelchair accessible trampoline.
- ‘Mirage’ swing seat, offering full body support.
- Basket swing
- Multi User Seesaw
- Braille sign language play panel
- Sensory Corner including tactile play panels, seating and a rain wheel.
Other equipment that also considers results from the consultation includes:
- Toddler multiplay unit
- 3 x cradle swings and a combination parent/toddler seat.
- Flat swing
- Spring rockers
- Spinning bowl
- Inclusive picnic benches
The existing spinning comb climber and embankment slide features will be retained and refurbished as part of the works.
Most of the new equipment is made from a mixture of galvanised steel and hardened wood that complements the natural park setting and will have longer life expectancy in comparison to other materials.
The Kearsney parks are also set to have 3 new trees planted near to the play facility to satisfy biodiversity requirements agreed from the planning process.
Completed Play Area Renovations - 2025
New-look play areas are up and running following an exciting range of renovations totalling around £180k for play areas in Dover District. The new-look facilities were reopened in May 2025 in time for the Summer.
The three renovated play areas were:
- The Bulwarks Play Area in Sandwich
- Marke Wood Play Area in Walmer
- Travers Road Play Area in Deal
The renovations were funded by a variety of sources, including Dover District Council, the town councils, and developer contributions. The new play areas feature inclusive play equipment and a range of items to suit all ages and abilities.