03/06/2026
New Playgrounds Officially Open! 🚀 🐘
Swanley Town Council is delighted to announce the official opening of two brand-new playgrounds at Elephant Park and Swanley Recreation Ground, marking a significant investment in play and recreation facilities for local children and families.
The new play areas were formally opened by the Mayor, Cllr Michael Horwood on 3rd June 2026 at separate events held at Elephant Park and Swanley Recreation Ground. Children from Downsview Primary School and Westview Playgroup Swanley attended the opening at Elephant Park, where they were among the first to enjoy the new facilities. Both events marked the completion of the new play areas and their opening for the community.
The playgrounds form part of a wider programme of investment in Swanley’s parks, following approved plans to deliver two upgraded, themed play areas designed to inspire active and imaginative play for children and young people.
At Swanley Recreation Ground, a brand-new space-themed 🛸 playground has been installed in a more accessible location adjacent to Oaks Surgery, improving access for families while complementing existing facilities on site.
At Elephant Park, a new safari-themed 🦒playground has been delivered, featuring a wide range of play opportunities, reflecting the park’s character and providing engaging experiences for children of all ages.
Delivery of both projects was undertaken by KOMPAN, who were awarded contracts totalling £140,000 for Swanley Recreation Ground and £72,000 for Elephant Park. To celebrate the opening, Kompan provided goodie bags to the first children to use the new facilities.
In addition to the playground installations, a further £7,000 investment has been made to enhance surrounding pathways, tree planting and park furniture, improving accessibility and the overall visitor experience.
This latest milestone sits alongside the Town Council’s continued commitment to safeguarding and improving local green spaces. Recently approved community asset transfers will bring parks such as Cherry Avenue Park and Hilda May Park into Town Council ownership, with planned playground investments by both Sevenoaks District Council Official and Swanley Town Council totalling over £95,000 across these sites. These transfers ensure long-term protection and enhancement of vital community spaces for future generations.
CEO of Swanley Town Council, Ryan Hayman, said:
“It is incredibly exciting to see both playgrounds open and being enjoyed by local children. These projects represent the culmination of several years of hard work, from securing grant funding through to finalising designs and delivery.
Delivering two major playground upgrades simultaneously has been operationally challenging, but thanks to the dedication of our team and partners, we have achieved something special for Swanley.
I would also like to thank KOMPAN for their professional and highly skilled work in bringing these projects to life. The quality of the finished play areas is excellent, and they will serve our community for many years to come.”
The Mayor of Swanley, Cllr Michael Horwood added:
“We are proud to have delivered these two new playgrounds for our community to enjoy. These have been long overdue, but it was right to keep aiming high to secure external funding to help achieve these projects, rather than settle at a cheaper and simpler like for like replacement.
I want to thank the Town Council staff, Cllr Nina Scott and Sevenoaks District Council for supporting the bidding process, and playground company KOMPAN for their amazing work in delivering these playgrounds for our residents.
Residents will also look forward to makeovers at Cherry Avenue and Hilda May Avenue playparks later this year, so there is more to come!”
These new playgrounds form part of a broader investment of approximately £315,000 in play facilities across Swanley, reinforcing the Town Council’s commitment to high-quality, accessible spaces for residents.
By combining new infrastructure, improved accessibility, and the protection of green spaces through asset transfers, Swanley Town Council is ensuring that its parks continue to support community well-being, recreation, and environmental sustainability for years to come.
For further information, please contact:
Swanley Town Council
Civic Centre, St Mary’s Road, Swanley
