Conningbrook Lakes country park to open in spring
A country park created by the restoration of former gravel workings in Kent will be open in the spring, the local council has said.
Land for the 34 hectare Conningbrook Lakes country park has been handed over for preparatory work to Ashford Borough Council by quarry company Brett.
The site has three lakes and will provide water sports facilities for local clubs and associations.
Planning permission was granted in 2013 for a lakeside village with 300 homes.
The country parks is next to the Julie Rose Stadium, which has a 400m all-weather running track, an 800-seater stand, floodlighting and an indoor training area.
The council said two sites would be able to offer integrated facilities.
Before opening the park the council will put up signage, safety equipment and boundary fencing and build an access road linking the stadium to a lakeside launch area with floating pontoon and water sports storage facilities.
The park will be managed by Ashford Leisure Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust and Mid Kent Fisheries.
"With a beautiful lakeside setting, views to the North Downs and access to a network of country trails, Conningbrook Lakes will be a family-friendly facility for visitors to explore and enjoy," said Councillor Jessamy Blanford.
The exact opening date has yet to be announced.