Youngsters from Shears Green Infants and Shears Green Juniors tried out a host of new play equipment at Woodlands Park as it was officially opened.

The play area in Wrotham Road, Gravesend, has been a popular space in the borough for decades, but was shut back in May due to vandalism and wear and tear.

The new equipment was ready in time for the summer holidays, but it was officially unveiled on Friday to coincide with the completion of upgraded toilets, a half-mile walking trail and the installation of CCTV.

Shears Green pupils enjoyed the new roundabout, steel cableway, basket seat swing, rope swing, adventure trail, a trampoline and slides.

Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Greta Goatley cut the ribbon at the play area while Cllr Bronwen McGarrity did the honours at the walking trail.

All the improvements at the 15-acre park have cost close to £260,000.

Cllr Jordan Meade (Con), Gravesham council’s cabinet member for tourism and youth, said: “The play equipment that has been added to Woodlands Park is a massive improvement.

“I’m delighted that, thanks to funding from Cllr McGarrity, we’ve been able to add in the walking trail too, meaning that Woodlands Park will be a place for the whole community to enjoy.”

The trail, which has been funded by the Older Persons Fund, is half a mile long around the perimeter posts. The outline of the route is detailed on a wooden notice board at the main entrance.

For more pictures, pick up tomorrow's (Thursday, October 27) Gravesend Messenger.