Community shapes future of BCP play areas

Work to improve play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is moving ahead, with BCP Council confirming that community feedback is now shaping future refurbishment plans.

Recent activity has focused on urgent repairs and small-scale upgrades at more than one hundred and twenty play spaces. These include new steps at Haskells Rec, replacement swings at Green Road in Poole, an upgraded slide in Littlemoor Avenue and new skate play equipment at Moordown. The council’s green spaces team will continue these works over the coming months.

As part of the Plan for Play consultation, officers held twelve engagement events at local play areas, asking families and young people to help influence the design and priorities of future upgrades. The council says the feedback received has guided its plans to create accessible and inclusive spaces.

Residents have also helped establish two new Friends groups at Mallard Road and Haskells Rec, giving the community a more direct role in working with the council on future improvements.

Community involvement has been particularly important at Mallard Road near Castlepoint. Following concerns raised in the summer, the council confirmed the intention was to hear from residents before forming plans. Additional funding from BCP Homes has now enabled proposals for a significant refurbishment.

Councillor Andy Hadley said the investment reflects a commitment to delivering improvements shaped by residents, while Councillor Sandra Moore highlighted the value of collaboration with the community and ward members.

The wider strategy includes major refurbishments at twenty locations from twenty twenty six, including King’s Park, Hamworthy Park, Noyce Gardens and Winton Rec. Queen’s Park was the first of these larger projects to be completed earlier this year, with new equipment improving access and play opportunities for local children.