Faversham Rec improvements
Published
Tuesday 8 April, 2025
Updated
Tuesday 8 April, 2025
Users of the Faversham Rec are being asked for their views about the park.
A survey is being carried out to assess the impact of Swale Borough Council’s almost £2 million makeover of the park, funded by the National Lotteries’ Heritage Fund.
The heritage-led regeneration of the recreation ground has breathed new life into the park, with more leisure, recreation and family events, whilst highlighting and reinforcing the history of the site.
The project worked to restore many of the park’s historic features and made improvements to local facilities, including:
- the refurbishment of the Grade II listed lodge, including the introduction of a refreshment kiosk
- the refurbishment of the changing pavilion to provide new public toilets, community room and greatly enhanced sports changing rooms
- increased lighting and added CCTV, making the recreation ground safer
- reinstating historic paths and planting spaces
- the creation of an event space with electricity supply
- created new landscaping with greater biodiversity with over 60 avenue trees being planted
- new play areas
- restoration of original wrought iron gates and boundary fence
- re-imagining unique features such as the drinking fountain and milestone
- creating an outdoor performance space
The funding also supported a five-year action plan for community engagement, to foster a sense of local pride for the recreation ground.
This included the employment of a park activities co-ordinator and park ranger.
The council’s coordinator hosted regular events for locals while developing and working closely with the friends and volunteer groups.
This included activities for over 80-year-olds, such as heritage walks, talks, workshops, and things for children including craft days and setting up the junior parkrun.
The programme led to the recreation ground achieving the coveted Green Flag Award, which recognises and rewards the best green spaces within the country and sets the standard globally.
The Heritage Fund awarded the council a grant of £1,602,000, the council invested an extra £267,300 as match funding.
The council want to hear what you think of the project, you can complete the survey here.
