by Charlotte Phillips

Hundreds of thousands of pounds are to be spent refurbishing several playgrounds, including one which was vandalised with swastikas.

The £1.5m bumper package will be used to revamp play areas around Dartford over the next year, and the next phase of the programme will focus on five playgrounds in particular.

One of those is Hesketh Park, where a number of swastika symbols were drawn on the climbing frame last month.

Councillor Laura Edie (Green), who found the anti-Semitic graffiti, said of the funding news: "I'm really delighted, obviously. When you look at all the vandalism in the park, it's been sat there for quite a while now, so I'm really happy something's being done about it."

The Dartford councillor for Newtown ward said: "One of the main things that I think is really important about these refurbishments is that the park is going to have access for everyone with additional needs, and things like sensory issues have been taken into account so it'll definitely be inclusive for all.

"I’ve been pushing for this really since I was elected, definitely for a long time. I’ve lived here for most of my life and the playground hasn't been refurbished for a long time from what I know."

The mother said: "The community deserves this space for kids to use, and places like playgrounds are vital for communities, especially at the moment where things have been hard for parents because of the cost of living.

"Playgrounds are a really good place to take the kids, and it'll be nice for the area to finally have the improvements it deserves.

"In terms of the future, vandalism in the park is quite a big issue, and I want to keep on working with the police to do things like install more CCTV to make sure the community is safe.

"Hopefully, when the playgrounds are restored people will take more pride in their community and want to keep things looking nice, and it won't get vandalised again."

Hesketh Park, off Pilgrims Way, has had £100,000 put aside to refurbish existing play equipment.

The majority of the budget – £1.05m – is going towards the renewal of Central Park playground in the heart of town, which will have a new playground installed, along with outdoor gym equipment.

Maureen Healey regularly goes to Central Park with her grand-daughter. She said: "The zip wire and the roundabout in the older children's playground are broken, and the rubber ground mats around all the playthings are cracked and broken. It generally looks unkept.

"Children need somewhere to both play and exercise and when I was in Central Park last weekend it was very busy and well used as there are only a few playgrounds around the town.

"My grand-daughter loves the zip wire and always wants to go to the park when she comes to me on a Saturday, which is quite regularly.

"I'm delighted about the refurbishments – our children need to be kept off the streets, and they also deserve the very best of facilities."

Dartford council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con) said: "We listened to communities right across the borough and pledged to deliver the play space programme back in 2019.

"We're really looking forward to delivering this project after the pandemic caused delays to our initial plans.

"As a council, we've already refurbished Queens Garden and installed a new playground at The Bridge estate this year, both of which have become real assets for their communities.

"This £1.5m project will give local families and people the best we have to offer."

He continued: "Whether it's replacing existing play equipment, refurbishing water play areas or installing entirely new facilities and outdoor gym equipment, we're determined to encourage people to keep active and use the brilliant outdoor spaces Dartford has to offer.

"Moving forward we hope to make more improvements and I hope that everyone can enjoy the benefits of this programme for years to come."

The parks being refurbished are:

• Central Park (£1.05m) – complete replacement of existing play equipment, refurbishment of water area, new outdoor gym equipment.
• Hesketh Park (£100k) – refurbishment of existing play equipment.
• Worcester Park (£150k) – refurbishment of existing play equipment, new outdoor gym equipment.
• Jessamine Place (£100k) – refurbishment of existing play equipment.
• Darenth Country Park (£100k) – removal of remaining play equipment, replacement with a new wooden playground.