A group has been set up to help shape and protect the future of the Rec in Faversham.

Swale Borough Council has created Friends of the Rec, which will give people a chance to have their say on how the park is run following the £1.9 million investment to revamp the grounds.

The first meeting will be held at the Rec bowling club pavilion tonight (Thursday) at 7pm.

The group will be updated on the restoration of the Lodge and pavilion, how the park is to be landscaped with tree planting, rewilding and bee-friendly beds, where paths, railings, benches and lighting will be placed, and how events and activities are run to maximise the use of the newly refurbished green space.

Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for the environment, said: “This is the first informal meeting for those who are interested in being a Friend of Faversham Rec.

“We are starting the ball rolling to see how interested local residents are in the Rec. If we have a great response with people wanting to be involved, then we could look to form a more formal partnership.

“Everybody is welcome, and we look forward to seeing the local people who are interested in helping us preserve this important landmark for future generations.

“We are starting the ball rolling to see how interested local residents are in the Rec..." Cllr Tim Valentine

“One of the items to be discussed will be the launch of the newly improved Rec once work is complete this summer.

“We are interested in what the community wants to see from their green spaces, which is why we saved the cherry tree from being removed last year.

“We committed to a five-year action plan of community engagement when we started the restoration of the Rec, and as work progresses, we want to open up the site’s history to new people who may not have thought about using the park previously.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, which comes as part of the regeneration work at the Rec that started last year thanks to funding from the Heritage Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund to restore the park’s features and improve facilities.

Cllr Mike Baldock, cabinet member for planning, added: “Improvement work at the Rec will be completed this year, and we want to ensure the work done to restore the Grade II-listed Lodge, and repair and remodel the existing changing pavilion, is enjoyed by all. Especially the locals who have been patient while we complete the work.”

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