£3.1 Million Makeover Transforms Dover’s Favourite Parks
Dover District Council has unveiled a brand-new website, www.kearsneyparks.co.uk, to showcase the district’s top green spots. This launch follows a massive £3.1 million spruce-up of Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Plan Your Perfect Visit with New Online Hub
The flashy new website highlights not just Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens, but also Bushy Ruff. It’s packed with handy info to help visitors plan trips, explore upgraded facilities, and dive into the parks’ rich history and wildlife. You can also catch the latest news and find out how to get involved by volunteering.
Designed to work perfectly on phones, tablets, and desktops, the site is accessible to all users, including those using screen readers.
Historic Parks Get Stunning Upgrades
Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens are the jewels in Dover’s park crown. Russell Gardens boasts a Grade II listing on the Historic England Register, while Kearsney Abbey is packed with Grade II listed features. Both parks are beloved by locals and draw visitors from far and wide.
The National Lottery’s ‘Parks for People’ project delivered jaw-dropping restorations and slick new facilities:
- Restored Thomas Mawson’s iconic 1900 landscape design at Russell Gardens
- Refurbished the Grade II listed billiards room at Kearsney Abbey
- Brand new café and visitor centre at Kearsney Abbey
- Recreated circular lakeside walk and a fresh new bridge at Kearsney Abbey
- Opened culverts to boost natural habitats in the rare chalk stream of the River Dour
- Improved accessibility, including a Changing Places facility
- New educational resources based on the National Curriculum for kids and schools
“Following completion of the Lottery funded improvements at the Kearsney Parks, it was time for a new look and feel for the website,” said Cllr Oliver Richardson, Cabinet Member for Corporate Property. “We understand that the website is frequently the first source of information for many first-time visitors and people new to the area. It’s a fantastic way to promote these wonderful public parks.”
With these upgrades and a slick new online presence, Dover’s parks are set to attract even more visitors keen to enjoy nature and heritage at their best.
