The Parks
One of the most attractive features
of Ashford is its acres of green, open spaces.
Incredible areas of outstanding natural beauty surround the
town, and the borough's picturesque rural villages
are tempting more and more people looking for a slice of
country life away from the city.
Ashford’s growth plans
include the need to increase the number of public open
spaces around the town, with provision for natural,
family-friendly spaces and pathways throughout.
To help meet this target, plans are
underway to create new country parks for the town,
to attract both local residents and visitors from further
afield, and to improve foot and cycle access around the town.
Plans already underway include parks
are:
Conningbrook
Lakes - a new country park
based around the existing lakes at Conningbrook, with water-based
leisure, nature walks and reserves, a new piazza and restaurant,
and strong links to the adjacent Julie Rose Athletics
Stadium.
- Willesborough Dykes (south east Ashford) - a
nature conservation park focusing on natural-themed walks
and encouraging bio-diversity, and includes a
1.6km foot and cycle route connecting Park Farm to the
town.
There is a vision to build on these projects to create
a 'green necklace’ of open spaces around the town, including
the proposed Discovery Park at Chilmington Green,
which could include events and sports field, performance spaces,
formal gardens, a play park, organic farm and
arts centre.
Sometimes crisp and urban, sometimes soft and green, these spaces
will change in style according to the neighbourhood they pass
through, and will create a stunning green circle around the town
for people to enjoy, whether on their way to work or on a day
out.