The Wicksteed sites of Dover
Located on the side of the hills below the famous Castle, Connaught Park dates back to Victorian times when it was the first to be established in Dover. Catering for all ages and providing facilities for both recreational and sporting activities, Wicksteed Playscapes has just completed a major transformation of the play area within the beautiful park.
With thorough research into the historical background of the site and careful enhancement of the naturally undulating location in the shadows of the great Castle, Wicksteed’s designs were considered the most attractive and sensitive to the area. Not only were references to the castle itself built into the playscape, but, in direct homage to a previous owner of the park who used to enjoy holding Teddy Bears’ picnics for all the family, Wicksteed designed and installed a sand play area in the shape of a teddy bear’s head!
Funded by Dover District Council and the Playbuilder programme, administered by Kent County Council, the new play area will make a world of difference to the local community and KCC Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Sarah Hohler, said: “It is wonderful that another play area has been made possible by a Playbuilder grant. I do hope that children and young people living in the area will enjoy the facilities for many years to come.”
Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Cabinet Member for Access and Property Management added: “We are very pleased to launch this new play area and to have worked with community partners to deliver such innovative and accessible facilities.”
Excellent views across the busy town are afforded from all aspects of the park but from the top of the Timber Tree House, at the centre of this new play area, the view is absolutely outstanding!
Natural elements are evident across the whole playscheme with Rockscapes, log-walled mounds and tunnels interwoven with exciting play equipment. Special planting has also been designed into the playscape.
Two more Wicksteed designed sites in Dover are due to be opened in the summer at Russell Gardens and Kearsney Abbey.
Log onto www.wicksteed.co.uk to see more about Wicksteed Playscapes.