Children's Play Areas
Playgrounds in Swale
We currently have over 60 fixed outdoor play facilities that are owned, managed and maintained in the Swale Borough. More play areas are in the pipeline under Section 106 Planning Agreements on new housing estates. Additional play areas in Swale, are looked after by Parish Councils and Housing Associations.
Find your local Play Area here
Our key priorities for play
- Provide challenging designated play provision with acceptable risk
- Provide equipped areas of play in urban areas so that children have a 5 minute or less, walk to a facility
- Play areas that comply with local, national and European Standards
- To offer a variety of play experiences, equipment and facilities to cater for all age groups and ability
- To be maintained to a high standard of repair and cleanliness
- Provide healthy environment and help reduce obesity in children
- Engaging with children, local residents and communities about the development and design of play areas
- Setting up of 'Friends' groups to help, develop play areas
Playing safe
- All children under 8 years of age must be supervised at all times by an adult
- Always use the Green Cross Code when crossing the road to reach a Play Area
- Never go off with anyone, even someone you know without asking mum, dad or your guardian first
- Dogs are not allowed in the Play Area
- Do not drop litter or break glass
- If you are bullied in a Play Area tell an adult you know
What is happening in your neighbourhood?
'Friends' groups
Why not set up a 'Friends' Group and make a difference to your local community
A 'Friends' Group are a group of like-minded local residents who campaign for better play facilities in their local area. Anyone can set up a 'Friends' Group and residents can volunteer as much time as they can spare to improve a play area. There are various ways groups can make a difference:-
- Secure valuable funding
- Giving opinions on New Designs
- Improve safety
- Organise working parties
- Regenerate a neglected and underused space
A group recently formed in Swale is 'Friends of Chilton Avenue Park'. Two parents whose children attend the local school campaigned for a better play area. They also assisted in obtaining funding and helped organise refreshments for the official opening. Children from South Avenue Infant and Junior School selected the overall winning design and were the first to try out the new equipment.
