News £95k play area glow-up for Maidstone parishes

£95,000 in funding has been issued to parishes across Maidstone to enable them to fund ‘glow-ups’ for their play areas.

19 parishes each received £5,000 in funding to maintain and improve the play facilities in their area. The scheme was delivered by Maidstone Borough Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team so that the parishes can ensure their child-friendly spaces remain safe and attractive to residents.

First over the line to complete their improvements was Barming Parish Council who put the money towards new railings and signage at their South Street Play Area.

Fay Gooch, Chairman of the Barming Parish Council, said:  “We are grateful to Maidstone Borough Council and the Parks & Open Spaces Team for their help. The play area looks great, and this is a lasting investment in the safety of all the youngsters wanting to enjoy the equipment. This grant helped us to secure further funding contributions from the William and Edith Oldham Trust, Kent County Playing Fields Association and Kent County Council, enabling the project to move forward.”

Cllr Clive English, Maidstone Borough Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement, added: “These spaces are important for our residents and for children’s development.

“Parks give families a free and accessible way to keep children active, helping them burn off their boundless energy. They also create opportunities for parents and carers to connect and support one another, helping to reduce the isolation that can sometimes come with having young children.

“We remain committed to providing and improving facilities like these across the borough, and to supporting our parishes in maintaining them for the future.”

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