The new Kensworth Community Play Area was officially opened on Monday 3 March 2025 by Rachel Hopkins MP. Its opening marks the culmination of a two year project led by Kensworth Parish Council that raised nearly £100,000 to fund the redevelopment. This includes a £45,000 contribution from the Parish Council, and £50,000 raised from a combination of the National Lottery Community Fund, and The UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
administered by Central Bedfordshire Council. Contributions were also received from several local Sponsors, other local businesses, ward councillors and residents.
The state-of-the-art facilities include a sustainable four tower castle, where the panels can be replaced in the future for an alternative design, an innovative multi trail-set that encourages agile play, and an accessible roundabout and swing. The entire play area has been resurfaced with a colourful, soft and robust material that will ensure a safe and fun play environment. The design was based on ideas provided through an initial needs survey completed by Kensworth CE Academy, so it was fitting that children from Oak class attended the opening and were given the honour of being the first to sprint on to the play area as soon as the ribbon was cut, with children from other classes not far behind!
The project was overseen by a redevelopment committee consisting of Councillor John Murray, Playground Redevelopment Lead, Councillor Pat Mitchell, Parish Council Chair, and Christina Jones, Parish Council Clerk. The initial needs survey was led by Amy Robinson. Sponsors were Chelsea Direct; DH Woods & Son; Kensworth Village Stores; Lansdowne Services Ltd; Lutts Group; PR Farming Ltd; and The Farmers Boy. The installation was by Caloo Limited, an Aylesbury based family business.
