LYMINGTON ROAD

New slides, climbing frames, roundabout, springy rockers and a brand new ball court are just some of the exciting new additions to a playground in Westgate.

The Lymington Road playground, which has seen extensive improvements and renovations over the last year, was officially re-opened last week (Friday 7 August) and is open for business for children and young people of all ages and abilities.

The new facilities on offer include a ship theme climbing frame with slide, sea saw and springy rockers for the very young, an unusual bespoke large climbing frame and slide for those a little older and a brand new ball court linking to the existing skate ramps for teenagers.

A special ground level roundabout that is suitable for all abilities including wheelchair users and improvements to the entrance path have also been added to the park to help improve facilities for those with disabilities.

Some of the most popular traditional play items have been retained and revamped in the playground to sit alongside the new equipment and other more general improvements such as a boundary fence dog exclusion area, safer rubber surfacing, additional seating and extra litter bins have also been added.

These changes all come thanks to the hard work of the Lymington Road Park Project Group who have worked closely with the district council to improve facilities on offer for children of all ages across the estate. Total funding in excess of £135,000 has been achieved to fund the project and has come from a variety of sources including Big Lottery Play, Millwood Homes, Kent County Council Community Fund, Thanet District Council and also Ward Councillor allocations. Special thanks also go to County Councillor Rob Burgess for his support with the project group.

Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Shirley Tomlinson said: “The success of this project is down to the hard work and determination of the local community and is something that residents should feel really proud of. The playground now boasts an exciting range of equipment and play opportunities for children and young people of all ages. Alongside other projects such as those recently completed at Cliftonville and Dane Park in Margate this helps to improve play facilities for children across the whole of the district. I really believe that the efforts of the local community will be rewarded by seeing young children enjoying the park here at Westgate for many years to come.“

The successful partnership is continuing with plans to fund raise for improvements to the skateboard area and swings. Thanet District Council also have a number of schemes in the pipeline for further improvements across the district.