Call To Share Improvement Ideas For District Play Areas

Exciting improvements are being planned for key play areas across the Folkestone & Hythe district as part of the council’s Corporate Plan commitment to invest in local communities.

Those in line for upgrades include the council-owned play areas at Cheriton Road Recreation Ground and at East Cliff in Folkestone; three Lydd play areas in Lade Fort, Queensway and The Derings and the play area in Seabrook.

Proposed works may include adding more modern play equipment that appeals to a wide age range, improving surfacing, new seating, better paths and fencing, and features that support inclusive and sensory play.

But first the council is keen to hear from users of the play areas to find out what they would like to see in their local neighbourhoods. Young people, parents and carers are invited to share their views via a ten question survey open until 4pm on Tuesday 4 August 2026.

The £670,000 of play area work is being partly funded by the council’s own budget for capital projects. The remainder is from payments charged by the council to developers. These are to help support the increased need for local amenities when developments, such as new housing, are built. 

The play area work is in addition to the major work to install new equipment and facilities at the south east’s largest free adventure playground in Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park which is due to open in July. 

In addition, a new play area is to be built in Bouverie Square – site of the former Folkestone bus station as part of the town’s – A Brighter Future government-funded development.

Cllr Connor McConville, Cabinet Member for Assets, said: “We know how important play areas are for children, families and local communities. These improvements will help us create safe, more inclusive and more enjoyable places to play across the district.

“We are committed to supporting healthy, active lifestyles and encouraging outdoor activity. So, we want to hear ideas from residents about what they would like to see in our play areas. Share those exciting and imaginative ideas and we will see what we can do to create them!”

Anyone wanting a paper copy of the survey should contact property.enquiries@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk.