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Public Consultation
Dover District Council will be running community consultation at 3 Dover Play areas from Thursday 23rd July to Thursday 13th August at Pencester Gardens, Connaught Park and Northbourne Avenue.
This follows news that the council has been pre-selected as part of the governments new £18 Million playground fund scheme, with Dover being one of the 66 local authorities chosen to create, improve or enhance play areas in areas of greatest need.
An expression of interest is required from the council in order to proceed further that confirms the proposals conform with the standards required for funding. This includes undertaking public consultation in order to find out what people would like to see improved for the existing 3 sites chosen by the council.
Join us on the following dates at the following areas to suggest your improvements for each site:
- Connaught Park, Dover Thursday 6 August 11:00-14:00
- Pencester Gardens, Dover Friday 7 August 11:00-14:00
- Northbourne Avenue, Dover Monday 10 August 11:00-14:00
If you are unable to make the consultation, online questionnaires can be completed below:
For further information on the playground funding, please visit £18 million Playground Fund - GOV.UK
Notes:
- Unfortunately due to requirements, it has not been possible to use this funding for other council owned sites within the district outside of Dover.
- If successful, it is expected these refurbishments will take place during Spring 2028 following a tender process.
- Consultation at Elms Vale play area, which does not form part of the funding above, will be undertaken later in the summer.
New Inclusive Play Area Opens at Kearsney Abbey
A new £155,000 play area was officially opened at Kearsney Abbey on the 17th July 2026, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by DDC Chairman Cllr Susan Beer. The redesigned facility features a large multi-play unit with slides, tunnels, climbing equipment and interactive play features for children and young people up to 14 years old.
The play area has a strong focus on accessibility and inclusive play, with equipment including a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and trampoline, a basket swing, multi-user seesaw, sensory play features and supported swing seating.
The project was funded by Dover District Council and the National Lottery Awards for All scheme, following consultation with the local community. It forms part of wider investment in play facilities across the district.
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.