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A new area of green space has opened in Kings Hill offering residents a new place to take their daily walks in lockdown.
Located between Beacon Avenue and Tower View, the new park is the equivalent of three and a half football pitches in size.
The first people to explore the new green space when it opened at the weekend were five-year-old Tony Hudgell and his family, who were given a tour by developer Liberty Property Trust.
Tony who had both his legs amputated as a baby recently captured the nation's hearts completing a 10km walk on his new prosthetic legs.
Inspired by Captain Tom Moore, the Discovery School pupil raised more than £1m for the Evelina London Children's Hospital.
Doctors and nurses at the hospital fought to save Tony's life after he suffered abuse at the hands of his biological parents which led to the loss of his limbs.
Tony has come so far since with his achievements even being recognised by Boris Johnson. The five-year-old was presented with the Prime Minister's Points of Light Award by Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat.
Adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, said: "We as a family are absolutely thrilled that Tony has been honoured with this award.
"He now knows he has won this award but the icing on the cake for Tony is a letter from the Prime Minister – he just loves Boris."
Although the park is not quite finished – with further landscaping works and more seating to come– it was opened to coincide with the easing of lockdown.
Children's play areas also remain closed for health and safety reasons.
Jane Harrison, Director of Real Estate and Customer Experience at Liberty’s parent company, Prologis, said: “With the change in government guidance we were delighted we could open up this new space to the community. It is a fabulous landscape-led amenity for people of all ages, whether it’s active children with plenty of energy to expend, people wanting to keep fit or those who simply want to sit in peaceful contemplation.
“After Tony’s fantastic fundraising achievement we wanted him and his family to be the first people to experience the new park, which features a community amphitheatre, a rare World War II Pickett Hamilton fort and extensive landscaping. We hope Tony will make a return visit once we are able to open the junior and toddler play areas with their slides, swings, spinners, seesaw, jungle climber and timber log walk, including equipment suitable for use by children of varying abilities.”
Jane Harrison added: “Depending on any ongoing landscaping and maintenance works, the park will typically be open from 6am until 8pm during the summer. For safety reasons, it will be closed at night until the new adjoining neighbourhood currently under construction is complete.”
The park will be officially opened in spring next year.
