Article published on 13 August 2026
A new £750,000 coastal play park has opened in Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone. This has elevated the existing site into the self-proclaimed “largest free adventure playground in the South-East”.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council sought to improve access throughout this destination site so users of all abilities could enjoy all 15 zones equally. Following this bold vision, few play companies felt capable of delivering. However, Proludic loves a challenge and put together a winning design that matched the scale of the Council’s ambition.
The Coastal Park’s biodiversity is reflected throughout the play space, with wildlife incorporated into the design. Bespoke timber climbing structures, rubbing posts and colourful plaques celebrate the natural surroundings. Children can also enjoy a downloadable activity sheet that encourages them to go off the beaten track.
This destination site needed an epic focal point that provides wow factor, risk and challenge. This comes in the form of a gigantic 5-tower timber play structure featuring a hexagonal deck linked by a SUDS-bond path, ensuring users of all abilities can play together and experience the joy of playing at height. The towers benefit from a high degree of visibility throughout to ensure children can see their guardians and vice versa.
A unique Arborea unit wraps around a tree trunk and encourages children to get up close to nature and develop teamworking skills. Additionally, a bespoke Robinia bee unit offers the youngest visitors their first experience of climbing and sliding within a fenced area, as well as providing little ones with much-needed shade during the hot summer months.
Cllr Connor McConville of Folkestone & Hythe District Council said he hopes this site will become the district’s flagship play area and that their investment has really paid off and will delight the next generations.
The park also boasts a challenging 60-metre agility trail, featuring Monkey bars (J4909), Balance Beams (J4903), Japanese Steps (J4904) and a Vertical Net (J4913). The installation was completed on budget, on time and to the highest standards, despite weather extremes including torrential downpours and two record heatwaves.
The playground was opened to great fanfare, with an opening event seeing over a thousand visitors walk through the bespoke “Welcome” sign. Guests enjoyed free ice creams courtesy of Proludic, while goodie bags were distributed to younger visitors.
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