BCP Council has launched a multi-million pound plan to transform and renovate its children’s playparks and teenage wheeled sports areas, replacing worn out equipment and improving provision across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The five-year strategy was unveiled with the publication of the BCP Cabinet agenda for its December meeting, with a proposed investment of £3.9 million for Phase One alone.
In spite of the council’s tight financial circumstances, the proposal is to fund the major improvement works primarily from the Community Investment Levy, paid to the council by developers to support local infrastructure.
Backed by Cabinet members, Cllr Sandra Moore and Cllr Andy Hadley, the proposal is due to be considered by Cabinet tomorrow, Tuesday 10th December.
Cllr Moore said: “Our council officers have done an amazing job in preparing this plan.
“They have visited every single one of our 171 play spaces and examined each of the 1175 individual pieces of play equipment.
“They have established what equipment needs immediate repair, which spaces need general improvements, and which need total replacement and renovation or re-purposing of those spaces.
“No part of BCP has been overlooked.”
“This is really exciting.
“Every age will benefit, from infants to teenagers practicing on skateboards and bikes.
“For far too long equipment has been left to decline, and we want to turn that around.
“This will be our biggest investment in play in over ten years.”
Cllr Hadley said: “This is so important for our young people, for their physical and their mental health.
“Play is crucial for children’s development.
“It’s not just physical.
“It is building confidence , meeting other children, learning to share, and making friends.
“It is also important for families, not all of whom have gardens large enough for play.”
“We plan to consult residents, including the young people themselves, on what kind of equipment they would like to see in our parks.
“We are aiming for high quality and sustainable play sites, easy to get to wherever you live.”
Phase One of the strategy is planned to start in Spring 2025 to ensure investment in play areas is focused on priority areas where it is needed most and will have the greatest impact.
This will include immediate repairs to many pieces of faulty play equipment, ensuring spaces stay open, accessible, and safe.
Refurbishments will be prioritised to the areas of greatest need, based on areas of deprivation, walking times to spaces and the backlog of repairs.
A public consultation will start in April 2025 to help shape decisions on the phased delivery of further improvements over the five-year strategy.
This will set out how residents can have an input into the improvement plan and play a part in creating new high-quality play spaces.
The funding decision for Phase One of Plan for Play is subject to BCP Cabinet/full Council approval.
- Picture: Juniper Play & Leisure.