Cheriton Recreation Area Redevelopment

As outlined in the Shepway Play Strategy, Shepway District Council is committed to delivering good quality play provision across the district. 

Cheriton Recreation Area is currently an area of focus, recognising that the play value and the general environment could be greatly improved.

Over the last year, work has taken place to determine what local people want from their park. Various consultation exercises have been undertaken

Funding has been secured through the KCC Playbuilder scheme (funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families) in order to provide the play facilities and additional funding is being sought for other general improvements identified through the consultation exercises.

What you said:
We like the green open space
We like the different levels
We dislike the teen shelter
We dislike the dog mess - dog owners should clean up
We dislike the lack of lighting
We dislike the fact there is no skate or BMX provision

We would use the park more if:
There was skate or BMX provision
There was better lighting
There was improved play provision
There was more seating
There was better planting and landscaping

What we are doing:

Phase 1 - 2009/10 - To see the plans click here:  Cheriton Recreation Development Plan

Play Equipment:
The existing long bank will be exploited to provide a variety of sliding equipment, from extra wide inclusive slides, to double bars and long curving enclosed chutes. These multiple slides will also add to the climbing experience with a variety of ways back to the top.

As well as climbing routes up the back, a new wheelchair accessible path will double as a way up to the slides and a route to the upper level, providing access to the vantage point with a view of the park.

Robust, sculptural, high quality pieces of climbing equipment, chosen for both looks and performance, will provide striking and challenging additions to the park.

Equipment designed to appeal to a wide ranging of interests and abilities will also be included in the scheme, with the creation an inclusive play scene being high on the agenda.

The play equipment will offer challenge and excitement to children and young people, especially those in the 8-13 age range. The slides will add variety and enhance the play equipment, the climbing structure will be substantial enough that children will want to master it and use it in a variety of ways.  Log steps and boulders will also add texture and informal play items in the park.

Infrastructure:
The existing pathways will be changed slightly and new ones put in to add interest and variety into the flow of the park and texture will be added in sections to provide sensory experiences.

New fencing will be fixed to the low wall along the Stanley Road entrance to the park and the existing chain link will be taken out.

Bollards will be placed at the entrance to deter vehicles accessing the park.

Creative Elements:
A rustic picnic area will be created. A wood sculptor will be employed to make the picnic tables and benches which will also include table top board games to include the National game of Nepal, Tiger and goat and other more traditional games such as chess and noughts and crosses. The sculptor, who will work on site to develop the tables and benches, will also be commissioned to make another item of interest which will evolve through community engagement and participation.

Members of the local Nepalese community have made models of a climbing structure that echoes the shape of Everest that may also be added to the park providing it can be made to comply with safety standards. Other items of Nepalese creativity that may be added to the park include a painting of a Nepalese view/scene, and bamboo wind chimes.

Planting:
The planting scheme will look to re-formalise and tidy the existing bushes at the entrance to the park, make a striking feature using avenues of Himalayan Birch trees, and planting various spring bulbs on the edges of the pathways.

Community Involvement:
This project sets to improve Cheriton Recreation Area inline with the needs and wishes of the local community. Where possible, members of the community will be encouraged to get involved in planting bulbs, trees etc.. The dates of community involvement days will be advertised at the park and in other local areas.

To view the two schemes that have been designed click here:  Cheriton Rec - Scheme 1  Cheriton Rec - Scheme 2 and let us know your thoughts!

What do you think of the plans? - email us here  

Phase 2 - 2010/11

The need for a local skate and BMX park was certainly voiced from the local young people. It is therefore proposed that a concrete ‘wheel plaza' will be developed in line with the consultation with the young people.
Lighting was another key issue raised during the consultation, we therefore intend to install lighting during phase two. Quotations are currently being sought.

Please note that delivery of this project is dependant on securing external funds.