Parents are asking how a playground carpeted with fake grass has already become a “muddy disaster” after opening just days ago.

The long-awaited park in Dane John Gardens in Canterbury has been met with disappointment, with residents bemoaning the “horrendous” boggy ground.

Speaking to KentOnline at the city centre recreation space this week, mother-of-one Rachel Cogger said she would not be returning any time soon.

“It was our first time coming to the park today - because it’s just been done I thought it would be nice,” the 23-year-old said.

“But it’s just very muddy and sloshy.

“It feels like you’re stepping on watery mud and it’s just horrendous and then there’s mud on the slide, on the swings.

“So was just a quick park trip today because I just couldn’t keep going – it was too much. I think next time we’ll stick to the other parks.”

Canterbury City Council spent £150,000 constructing the area and says recent wet weather made installing the playground’s fake turf a challenge.

A spokesperson told KentOnline that “hybrid” artificial grass had specifically been chosen for a more organic appearance and environmentally-friendly approach.

It will be reviewed in the spring after the soil dries out and natural shoots have started to grow amid the fake grass.

Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Jean Butcher, was joined by guests for the official opening of the playground last week.

It features a range of play equipment including swings, a seesaw, a roundabout and slide, all open to use by children up to seven years of age.

But so far, people commenting on social media are unimpressed.

“So disappointed with the muddy disaster,” said Rossella Buono.

Simon Hitchcock added: “Ask any parent what they hate about kiddies play areas and it’s muddy clothes and shoes - always a much better experience for all with rubber/resin underfoot.”

Council spokesman Leo Whitlock admits using the hybrid grass “is a bit of a trial” as it’s a new product.

"As the weather improves and the soil dries out, natural grass will start growing in and among the hybrid artificial grass we've chosen which will make all of the difference,” he said.

“It won't be a bowling green, but we hope it will look really nice.”

Mr Whitlock added: “We think hybrid artificial grass gives a more natural look, important in a historic setting like the Dane John, and is more environmentally friendly than traditional artificial grass and other types of play safety surfaces - it uses a lot less plastic and rubber.

“More importantly, we needed Scheduled Monument Consent from Historic England to build the play area and ensuring the underground archaeology remains undisturbed was a huge factor in choosing the surface.

"Hybrid grass is a fairly new product so this is a bit of a trial - we will review it in the spring to see how it is holding up."