A BELOVED play area in Kent is set to open next week after months of closure.

The largest free playground in the south east has undergone an enormous upgrade and now has a new climbing frame, slides, swings and picnic tables.

Lower Leas Coastal Park play area is set to open after a £750k upgrade Credit: Folkestone & Hythe District Council

It will have a new climbing frame, swings and rope ladders Credit: Folkestone & Hythe District Council

The playground at the Lower Leas Coastal Park between Folkestone and Sandgate has been undergoing a £750,000 revamp since April.

Part of the area was forced to close much earlier in 2024 due to a landslip.

Sign up for the Travel newsletter

Thank you!

The local council announced its reopening on social media: “The exciting new Lower Leas Coastal Park play area has taken an extra week longer than planned, but we’re looking good for an opening by Friday 31 July.

“Details about an official launch event with free goodies on Tuesday 4 August will be announced very soon.

COAST EFFECTIVE
Best UK family theme & waterparks with cheap stays from just £3pp a night

DIVE IN
Mega waterpark hotels with EVERYTHING you ever wanted & all inclusive from £189pp

“With £750,000 invested in the first major refurbishment of the district’s flagship play area since the year 2000, we’re excited to unveil this fantastic new space and help make the rest of your summer one to remember.”

In the comments, one local wrote: “Our kids love this park can’t wait to see it!”

Images have shown construction on the playground is almost complete and it will have a huge wooden climbing frame with at least two slides, rope ladders and swings.

Dotted around the outside will be picnic tables with buggy and cycle parking.

The playground at Lower Leas Coastal Park will reopen on Friday Credit: Folkestone & Hythe Council

Proludic Ltd led the scheme to upgrade what is described as the south east’s largest free adventure playground.

Aside from the play area, the Coastal Park also has a formal garden and a peaceful wildlife zone.

Work to fully reopen the playground began in April of this year after cliff stabilisation work was completed following landslides.

The previous play area which had wooden towers, slide and ziplines had been there since 2000.

Talking about plans for the playground earlier in the year, the local council said it will have “more inclusive elements than ever before in the south east’s largest free adventure playground, an exciting new era is now just around the corner.”