More than one million pounds in funding will be used to upgrade play areas across Sussex.
The money will be spent on improving recreational spaces throughout Hastings after local residents and community groups called for safe, accessible facilities for children of every age.
James Bacon, the Labour councillor for Old Hastings, said he wished to express gratitude to Helena Dollimore for Hastings and Rye for her considerable work on this issue. He noted that as someone who works as a primary school teacher, he recognises how vital it is for young people to have safe places to play in their local communities.
Councillor Bacon has previously pushed for improvements at Barley Play Space and Boyne Road Play Park and said he would continue campaigning for further upgrades.
Helena Dollimore MP has launched a new campaign to improve playground facilities for children across Hastings, Rye and nearby villages.
Local residents have welcomed the funding and offered ideas for the plans through social media.
At Alexandra Park, Helena Dollimore announced that 500,000 pounds would be allocated to this site.
The overall package totals 1.5 million pounds, consisting of one million pounds from the Pride in Place Fund plus an extra 500,000 pounds secured by the Labour group at Hastings Borough Council.
Dollimore brought a banner to the park allowing children to show their preferred activities by adding stickers, with choices such as swinging, spinning and leaping.
In a Facebook video, Dollimore said the most popular selections at present were climbing, splashing, sliding, spinning and swinging.
Casey Rose, a local resident, said Boyne Road play park would greatly benefit from swings appropriate for all ages, smaller equipment for toddlers, and either removing the grass or looking after it properly since dangerous debris is often found there.
Another resident, Cheryl Louise, called for more inclusive and engaging designs.
She said the area needs something attractive that will challenge and stimulate children of all ages and include sensory zones.
Jayne Benton, a childminder who has used Boyne Road Play Park for more than 20 years, raised safety concerns.
She said she must inspect the grass for animal waste and other dangers before allowing children to play, which is hard to spot in grassy areas. Replacing the grass with safety surfacing would be much better. She would also like to see age-appropriate swings and smaller slides for young children.
Residents also mentioned nearby parks including Princes Park in Eastbourne and Egerton Park in Bexhill as possible examples to follow.
Aimee Louise Croucher said these parks are used every day by many families, and with the right investment they could become excellent, safe spaces for children and the wider community. With costs rising everywhere and family days out becoming less affordable, it is vital that parks remain functional, engaging and enjoyable.
Earlier in the campaign, Dollimore reported that her review found eight Hastings playgrounds had closed since 2014, with more than half needing to be modernised.