16/07/2026
Sevenoaks Town Council has approved the designs and contractor for a new playground and outdoor gym at Greatness Recreation Ground, following public consultation and a competitive tender process.
The new play area and outdoor gym will replace the current facilities at Greatness and be relocated closer to the new football pavilion, creating an enhanced recreational hub for the community to enjoy for many years to come.
Nine companies submitted proposals for the new playground and eight submitted plans for the outdoor gym through an open tender process.
The local community has played an important role in helping to select the chosen playground and gym. Feedback on each design option was gathered through online and paper surveys, as well as face-to-face engagement at community events, where participants were invited to vote for their favourite options. Children from local primary schools were also invited to share their views during a site visit to Greatness Recreation Ground.
The design from playground provider KOMPAN received the most public support, attracting more than 25% of the public votes, and Town Councillors have now chosen to go with this proposal.
In their feedback about the KOMPAN design, the local community praised the large variety of play equipment including a zipline, trampoline, climbing net, swings, roundabout and sensory play area. Many commented on how inclusive the equipment was and lots of people loved the animal-theme.
When selecting the final design, Town Councillors considered both the public feedback as well as considerations such as best value, quality of play equipment, inclusive play provision, maintenance requirements and trade references. KOMPAN achieved the highest overall score.
Eight companies submitted designs for the new outdoor gym. Again, it was KOMPAN’s plan that was the public’s favourite, receiving 46% of the votes. It was praised for its range of strength and cardiovascular equipment, layout, wheelchair accessibility, variable-resistance equipment and companion mobile app providing guided exercise programmes.
The existing gym has been in place for around fifteen years and was identified through a previous public consultation as requiring replacement and upgrading. The new facility will provide a modern and accessible outdoor fitness space.
Cllr Dr Peter Dixon, Chair of the Community Asset Committee, commented, “Thanks to everyone who took part in Sevenoaks Town Council’s consultations for our new playground and outdoor gym at Greatness. The feedback we received helped us to select the final designs and ensures the new facilities reflect the needs of our local community.
“The new playground, with its inclusive design, will provide a fun, accessible space for children to enjoy. The outdoor gym will also give residents of all ages the opportunity to exercise and stay active.”
Nicci Aplin, Area Sales Manager at KOMPAN said, “KOMPAN is delighted to have been chosen to deliver the new playground and outdoor gym at Greatness Recreation Ground. This project will create an inclusive, engaging and active space where children, young people and families can play, exercise and spend time together. We are proud to be partnering with Sevenoaks Town Council on a scheme that will provide lasting benefits for the local community and encourage healthy, active lifestyles for years to come.”
The £250,000 project has been made possible with a Community Infrastructure Levy grant of £100,000.
