A group of children and adults standing at the Hilda May Playground entrance with Mayor of Swanley, Councillor Michael Horwood and Ryan Hayman, CEO of Swanley Town Council for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Hilda May Playground, affectionately known by some local residents as ‘Blue Park’, has become the fourth playground in Swanley to receive a refurbishment this year, with the newly upgraded facility officially reopened on 6 October 2026.
The event, arranged by playground specialists Kompan, was attended by key representatives from Swanley Town Council and Sevenoaks District Council, who were given the opportunity to see the new play equipment in action.
The £23,510.11 refurbishment has transformed the small but well-loved local playground, introducing modern equipment including new swings, slides, a multi-play unit and an accessible spinner, creating a more enjoyable and inclusive space for local children and families.
One of the aspects we are particularly pleased with is the improved accessibility incorporated into each scheme.
At Hilda May, the new multi-play unit includes low-level play activities including role play and talk tubes, wheelchair transfer platforms and accessible steps, helping to ensure a wider range of children can play together and enjoy the space.
Although Hilda May is the smallest of the four playgrounds upgraded during 2026, its refurbishment forms part of an unprecedented programme of investment in play facilities across Swanley.
The four projects have brought the total investment in playground improvements this year to £337,686.37, the largest investment in playgrounds in Swanley’s history.
Swanley Town Council’s investment has also been delivered with its wider environmental ambitions in mind. Kompan’s environmental credentials align closely with the Town Council’s strategic objective of achieving a carbon-neutral position by 2030.
Across the playground programme, equipment has been manufactured using up to 95% recycled materials, with materials including recycled consumer waste and end-of-life fishing nets.
The equipment has also been designed with longevity in mind. Durable materials and established supply chains for replacement components mean individual elements can be repaired or replaced when required, helping to extend the life of the playgrounds and reduce the need for complete replacement in the future.
The Mayor of Swanley, Councillor Michael Horwood, said:
“It is fantastic to see another of Swanley’s playgrounds brought back to life.
Swanley Town Councillors know that these spaces are incredibly important to families and provide children with somewhere safe, accessible and exciting to play.
The scale of investment we have made across Swanley this year is a real statement of our commitment to our younger residents.
Hilda May is a much-loved local park and I am delighted to see it given a new lease of life. As we look ahead, I am particularly pleased that these improvements mean our parks are ready for the future and, will become part of the Town Council’s growing portfolio of community assets.”
Ryan Hayman, CEO of Swanley Town Council, said:
“This has been an extraordinary year for play in Swanley.
To have invested more than £330,000 in our playgrounds in a single year is something the Town can be incredibly proud of.
Outdoor play is an important part of growing up, helping children to be active, socialise and develop confidence in the outdoors. It is particularly pleasing that, with Hilda May and Cherry Avenue among the five green spaces that are set to transfer to Swanley Town Council, we will be taking on assets that have been brought up to a modern, fit-for-purpose standard.
Our attention now turns towards Swanley Park, our destination park, where we hope to see the playground completely replaced within the next couple of years.
This year has shown what can be achieved when we invest properly in play, and we want that ambition to continue.”
Councillor Irene Roy, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner and Greener added:
“We are delighted to see Hilda May Playground reopened following its refurbishment.
Playgrounds are an important part of creating healthy, vibrant communities and provide valuable spaces for children and families to enjoy.
The investment being made across Swanley demonstrates the importance of partnership working and we look forward to seeing local residents benefit from these improved facilities for many years to come.”
Who funded the playground improvements?
Swanley Recreation Ground Playground
£141,237.62 – funded by Swanley Town Council
Elephant Park Playground
£72,938.64 – funded by Swanley Town Council
Cherry Avenue Park Playground
£100,000.00, funded by:
National Lottery – £64,727.00
Sevenoaks District Council – £27,773.00
Swanley Town Council – £7,500.00
Hilda May Playground
£23,510.11 – funded by Swanley Town Council
