Play Bid
The Council has been granted £200,027 to spend on specific improvements for children’s play to which it is adding a further £50,000 to ensure that first class improvements are delivered.
Water Play, Central Park
This innovative interactive water playground is to be sited in the heart of the Central Park children’s playground, adjacent to the town centre, and will provide a unique and inclusive play opportunity for all younger people in the Borough.
With monies from the Big Lottery Fund, and added to by the Borough Council, the water playground will consist of features designed to stimulate and challenge children of all abilities.Due to the interactive nature of the equipment, this will allow, the opportunity for children to explore their imagination, while stimulating and enriching their physical and mental development.
The water playground will provide a balanced play enviroment from high energy play through to a fascinating haven for the very young.The mix of features and elements will encourage cross-generational play from a carer escorting a small child through a spraying arch to older children soaking each other with water cannons.
The features and elements will include appropriate safety sufacing and assorted water textures all set in an Edwardian Seaside environment.
The water used will be stored and recycled for irregation of the park. It is anticipated that it will be completed and ready for use in Spring 2009.
Central Park is recognised as a well loved and visited park and this project will contribute towards the overall investment being made in the area both in terms of capital improvements and community development.
Skate Park Introduction Area
Although the new skate park in Central Park is brilliant for skilled users, it is recognised that youngsters new or returning to skating or BMX may find it challenging.
In view of this, part of the BIG Lottery grant is to be used to build an ‘Introduction area’ allowing users of all abilities to use the facility. The Skating/BMX communities are to be involved with the design and it is planned it will be in use late summer 2008.
- If you are interested in contributing to the design please visit www.myspace.com/dartfordskategroup
Teen Chill-out Zones
It has been recognised that teenagers who do not want to be involved with physical activity are not well catered for in the Borough’s Children’s playgounds.
A few playgrounds have shelters where children/teenagers can ‘chill-out’ whilst watching friends playing ball games. The Big Lottery grant is to be used to add a Chill-out shelter to the multi games areas at Attlee Drive, Hesketh Park and Willow Walks playgrounds. It is planned that they will be installed in summer 2008.
