Artist's impression of new play area by HAGS
An exciting new-look play area is set to swing into action for Kearsney Abbey – with works to start in the spring for the new area to be up and running for the summer holidays.
This follows news of the go ahead for the £155k renovation, with funding from the National Lottery ‘Awards For All’ Scheme and DDC. This also follows consultation with the local community and on site at the play area during summer 2025.
Works to upgrade the facility are being carried out by HAGS who were awarded the contract following a tender process. Works are due to start early May 2026 and to be completed by July 2026, subject to ground and weather conditions.
The newly designed play space incorporates a stand-out multiplay unit, with a variety of features including slides, tunnels, fireman’s pole, climbing walls and net seating.
The space provides a range of equipment for children up to 14 years, with a particular focus on inclusive play equipment to cater for all abilities, including:
- 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.
This follows the completion of a range of renovations totalling around £180k for three play areas in the district during 2025 at Travers Road in Deal, Marke Wood in Walmer and the Bulwarks in Sandwich.
Cllr Lynne Wright, DDC Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Property said: “We are delighted to continue to develop and improve play area facilities across the district, enhancing parks for local communities and helping to encourage parents and children to enjoy exercise and fresh air in safe outside places.”
For more information on play areas, including more details on the designs for the works at Kearsney Abbey, please see the DDC website at www.dover.gov.uk/playareas
Posted on 24 February 2026