Work is taking place to refurbish seven play areas in Thanet.
The cost of the works is £235,000, funded by Section 106 contributions from housing developers and money allocated by the council in the 2025/26 budget for specific schemes.
The play areas being refurbished are:
- Birchington: Minnis Bay
- Margate: Dane Valley, Garlinge Recreation Ground and Tivoli Park
- Ramsgate: Boundary Road, Courtstairs Park, and Nethercourt Park
Council leader Rick Everitt said: “We recognise the important role these facilities have for families with young children. They are not just fun for the youngsters but also help them develop physically and socially, and best of all they are free to use.
“I am delighted that the government has also allocated us a further £270,000, which must be spent on play equipment in some of our most deprived neighbourhoods. We’ll be able to share more information about that soon.”
Speaking about the Dane Valley refurb, ward Cllr Jack Packman said: “Work is getting underway on the development of the play area at Dane Valley Park, following the successful development of the new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
“There is a lot planned to improve the space for local children and families:
“The existing shelter will be removed from the play area and a new shelter will be installed on the other side of the MUGA, creating a better space for younger children and families to enjoy.
“New fencing will be installed around the play area, helping to create a safer and more secure environment for children to play.
“New play equipment will then be installed, providing exciting new opportunities for children of different ages.
“The play area will also be resurfaced, giving the whole space a much-needed refresh.
“This follows a huge amount of work to secure significant investment into Dane Valley Park, including the new MUGA and now the play area improvements.
“It’s fantastic to see the investment turning into something tangible for the community.”
‘Staggered’
A Thanet council spokesperson said: “Work will be staggered across the different locations, with the final play area expected to reopen in November. Signs will be in place at each location to direct residents to the nearest alternative for the duration of the works.
“We recognise temporary closures can be inconvenient for local families and children who rely on outdoor spaces. The timing of these works was planned to start after the summer holidays to minimise disruption.”
Dane Valley MUGA opened in Margate in July, featuring bespoke panna football goals, durable basketball backboards, calisthenics fitness stations, and picnic tables. The £69,000 cost came from the Shared Prosperity Fund.
St Peter’s Recreation Ground had a new £35,000 outdoor gym opened in April and was funded from the council’s 2025/26 budget.
