Medway residents can help spend more than £1 million to improve playspaces in parks and green spaces across the Towns.

Medway Council has been awarded the government money as part of the Playbuilder scheme to invest in children's play areas during the next two years.

The money will be used to develop a minimum of 22 play areas, with a focus on eight to 13-year-olds and ensuring play areas have better disabled access. During the next year, 11 areas will benefit from this money, with a further 11 being improved up the following year.

The money means that Medway Council will be able to provide safe, accessible and exciting play opportunities for all children. Outdoor play has many benefits and is key to a happy and enjoyable childhood.

The areas earmarked for improvement works during the first year are:

• Beechings Way, Twydall.
• Main play space in Capstone Park, Chatham.
• Woodlands play space, Capstone Park, Chatham.
• Cherry Trees, Miers Court Road, Rainham.
• Church Road, Cliffe.
• Darnley Road, Strood.
• The Street, High Halstow.
• Parkwood Green, Deanwood Drive.
• Rainham Recreation Ground, Scott Avenue, Rainham.
• Rookery Fields, Woodlands Road, Gillingham.
• Merryboys Road, Cliffe Woods.

Residents will be asked to help with the design process by taking part in the consultation. There will be a number of creative workshops where residents can get their creative juices flowing.

These will take place at:

• Hundred of Hoo Leisure Centre, Main Road, Hoo on Thursday, 14 May from 3pm to 7pm.
• Strood Sports Centre, Watling Street, Strood, on Thursday, 21 May from 4pm to 7pm.
• Splashes Leisure Centre, Cozenton Park, Rainham on Tuesday, 26 May from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Families can also attend a creative workshop at Capstone Farm Country Park in Capstone Road, Gillingham, on Thursday, May 28. The free event takes place from 10.30am to 4pm, but families need to reserve a place by either phoning Heather Marsh on 01634 332499 or email heather.marsh@medway.gov.uk

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe said: "We are looking to create high quality play areas which will meet the needs of the local communities.

"We want to ensure the new and improved play areas meet residents’ requirements, which is why we are asking them to get involved with the design process and tell us what they want to be included in the parks."

There will also be leaflets and questionnaires at Gillingham, Rainham, Strood, Twydall and Hoo libraries until the end of May for anyone unable to attend the public meetings but would still like to share their thoughts.