Renovations totalling almost £180k are set to swing into action for three play areas in Dover District – with works set to start in the spring, for the new-look areas to be up and running for the summer holidays.
The three play projects set for redevelopment this spring are:
- Marke Wood Play Area in Walmer – set for investment of £87,700 thanks to monies from Dover District Council, Walmer Town Council and developer contributions
- The Bulwarks Play Area in Sandwich - set for a total investment of £58,300 thanks to monies from Dover District Council, Sandwich Town Council and Southern Water
- Travers Road Play Area in Deal - set for a total investment of £33,785 thanks to a developer contribution.
The contract for the design and installation of the new equipment in Marke Wood and Bulwarks Play Areas has been awarded to Kompan UK, and the contract for the Travers Road site has been awarded to Safeplay Playground Services.
All three projects follow consultation with the local community during May 2024 to find out what improvements people would like to see. All three sites feature inclusive play equipment and a range of new items to suit all ages and abilities.
New equipment includes:
- Marke Wood – new junior and toddler multiplay units, a track rider tower and sensory equipment
- The Bulwarks – new junior multiplay unit, basket swing and an inclusive spring seesaw
- Travers Road – new jungle themed multiplay unit, basket swing and a roundabout.
This follows exciting news that Kearsney Abbey Play Area will also be undergoing a major redevelopment during 2026, with consultation underway on this (open to the end of January) - please see www.dover.gov.uk/kearsneyplayarea
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, DDC Cabinet Member for Community & Corporate Property said: “We are very pleased 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 spaces. We would like to say a big thank you to Sandwich and Walmer Town Councils and our partners in the community for their support in this latest round of improvements.”
For more information on play areas in the district, please see the play areas pages on the DDC website.
Designs for the Bulwarks Play Area in Sandwich
Early designs for the Travers Road Play Area
Posted on 23 January 2025