Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society has awarded Tunbridge Wells Borough Council a Community Contribution Award for its refurbishment and new facilities at St. John’s Recreation Ground. The Civic Society has commended the work as a positive contribution to the community life of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

John Cunningham, Chairman of Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society, said:

‘We are very pleased to be able to make this award in recognition of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s contribution to community life. The Community Contribution Award is a fairly recent one and this is only the second time it’s been given. We congratulate Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on its innovation in the successful restoration and renovation of St. John’s Recreation Ground.’

St John's Recreation Ground serves a large catchment area and is a very popular park. The major refurbishment project was completed last year.

A new play area replaced the old out-dated one and includes a wide range of equipment, including a sandpit, swings and climbing frame for younger children. For older children there's an aerial cableway and multi-ball court. There's also a landscaped area that can be used as a meeting area but has been specially designed to accommodate wheeled sports.

The project was developed following extensive consultation with local residents and cost £219,000. Over £142,000 came from developer contributions arising from new developments in the local area. Feedback from users has been very positive.

Cllr James Scholes, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said:

‘We’re delighted with the Community Contribution Award from Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society as it reflects the hard work and efforts made by the Council to improve facilities at St. John’s Recreation Ground. Past surveys have shown that the rate of satisfaction with parks and open spaces in the Tunbridge Wells Borough is amongst the highest in the country. Being given the Community Contribution Award is a great bonus and confirms our very high standards.’