Brand new play area for Rylands Road Open Space coming soon
Published: 14/09/2022
Residents near Rylands Road Open Space, Kennington, Ashford, can look forward to a brand new play area coming very soon.
The exciting new facilities include a multiplay unit for toddlers, two trampolines, play panels, a large junior multiplay unit with a slide, large net climbing unit, springers, teacup, dipper and bouncing spinners, a disability friendly roundabout and a range of different swings for all age groups and abilities.
The new facilities will complement the outdoor gym area, which was installed earlier this year from funding raised by the local community with additional grants from Kennington Community Council and Ashford Leisure Trust.
Part of the work will include increasing the footprint of the area set out for play space to accommodate the new equipment, installing a new multiuse games area for football and basketball and improvements to the path network.
There will also be new benches and picnic tables integrated into the play zones along with cycle racks to encourage families to cycle to the park.
The design of the park is the result of a public consultation held earlier this year with residents, local ward members, the Rylands Road Park Renovation Group and Kennington Community Council.
Inclusive play options for all ages and abilities has been a key part in the design and we have heard overwhelming positive support for the new facilities.
Work is set to begin for the refurbishment the week commencing Monday 19th September, which will see the old equipment taken away and fencing put up for the new inclusive play zones and is due to reopen in December 2022.
The cost of the project is £340,000 and is part of the council’s £1.1m Playground Regeneration Programme; approved in September 2021 for three major play areas in the borough.
Refurbishment is already taking place at Park Farm, Central Park, Ashford and is set to be completed in November later this year. The final play area from this investment will be Spearpoint Recreation Ground and it is the in the final stages of design and we will be sharing more information soon.
Recent play areas which have under gone refurbishment include Hunter Avenue, opened in March 2022, which saw brand new facilities including a 25mzip wire, a Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant roundabout and mini goals for an informal kick about.
Cllr Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Property and Recreation for Ashford Borough Council said "Following our investment announcement last year, I am happy to share another refurbishment start date at the Rylands Road play area.
"Working with our communities and community groups is key to improving health and wellbeing across the borough, and it’s fantastic to see the design delivers equipment and activities suitable for all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy."
An official opening will take place once the works are completed. Details of the opening will be announced in due course.
