Parks and open spaces
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Parks and Open Spaces - General Information
There are many opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities in the parks and open spaces in the Borough
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Guided walks 2019
Join us on a guided walk around the Borough's beautiful parks and open spaces
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Wonderful walks
There are so many great walks around Dartford that it's only fair to share
so we've produced a series of wonderful walks for you to enjoy. -
Cafe in the park
Dartford's Central Park is now home to a brand new cafe and visitor centre - the perfect place to stop for tea and a slice of cake on a stroll through the park -
Become a volunteer walk leader
Do you enjoy walking? Do you have a few hours that you could spare? Would you like to lead a small walking group? If you answered yes to all of the questions then we would love to hear from you! -
Bandstand
The new bandstand has been erected very close to the original site of the first bandstand and will form a vibrant centre-piece for a range of concerts. The stone paving; steps and edges are of Ragstone composite to match the traditional materials of the plinth cladding. -
Central Park Vision
Since 1906, Central Park has been the green heart of Dartford - so popular in its heyday that trippers would come from miles around to enjoy the attractions, river and formal gardens
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We've built bridges
The bridges provide a vital link in creating the new Central Park entrance at Darenth Road, making access to the park easier and far more attractive -
Play bid
The Council has been granted £200,027 to spend on specific improvements for children’s play to which it is adding a further £50,000 to ensure that first class improvements are delivered -
Skate park
The £45,000 extension to Dartford Skate Park was opened by the Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Councillor Jeremy Kite on Saturday, 26 September 2009.
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Fresh air fitness
The Fresh Air Fitness equipment installed in Central Park provides a free, accessible facility for anyone who wishes to exercise in the natural environment of the park -
Prince's tunnel
The Princes Tunnel, commemorated by a plaque, has been modified to allow cyclists and walkers to pass through -
Connect 2
Dartford's residents and visitors are set to benefit from improved cycling and pedestrian routes thanks to the Connect2 project which was successful at winning the Big Lottery Fund's -
More park
For too long, Dartford’s river has been forgotten and overlooked. We want to bring it back to life as a vital ecological hub and a haven for local wildlife, as well as a place for recreation; just as the Edwardians used it -
Hesketh Park
Hesketh Park is about one half the size of Central Park and is very different in character. The main areas are dominated by sports facilities and the park is home to the Dartford Cricket and Bowls Clubs -
Dartford Heath
Dartford Heath is not only an area of outstanding natural beauty but it is also home to a wonderful variety of wildlife -
Volunteer groups
Would you like to help look after your local environment? Have fun and exercise in the great outdoors? Meet new people?
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Darenth Country Park
Darenth Country Park was developed from the grounds of the former Darenth Asylum, as one of "Changing Places" National Millennium Projects and opened to visitors for the millennium -
Children's playgrounds
The Council has over 20 children's playgrounds throughout the Borough. The largest of these are at Central and Hesketh Parks, and there are numerous small and medium sized playgrounds elsewhere, in residential areas
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Grounds maintenance of open spaces and parks
The overall management of the parks is under the Council's Property & Regeneration Directorate, however the Leisure Services Section administer horticultural maintenance through English Landscapes Ltd -
Central park
Central Park comprises some 26 acres ranging from formal gardens near to the Town Centre, through ornamental areas to informal open space at the southern end towards Princes Road
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Ragwort
What is it?
A yellow flowered weed which grows on pasture, rough ground and disturbed land. -
Trees and hedges
The Council is responsible for the maintenance of trees and hedges on its own land. These fall into several categories
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Darenth Woods site of specific scientific interest (SSSI)
Darenth Woods is an area of approximately 300 acres of ancient coppiced woodland -
Countryside rangers
The Ranger Team consists of one Senior Ranger and two part time Rangers.The team manages a variety of sites from urban green space to rural countryside
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Allotments
The Council acts as a point of contact between individuals who are interested in taking on an allotment and the allotment site representatives. There are 9 allotment sites within the Dartford area -
Friends of Dartford's Parks and Open Spaces
Several of Dartford's parks and open spaces have 'Friends' groups who meet regularly to discuss issues relating to the parks and receive updates from the Council, Police and other organisations.