BCP Council announces major upgrades coming to more than 120 play areas
Major upgrades, from full refurbs to better equipment, are coming to 120 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in 2026
Play spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set for a major overhaul as BCP Council pushes ahead with its multi-year investment in children’s play.
More than 120 parks and play areas are earmarked for improvements under the council’s Plan for Play strategy, a project that’s been heavily influenced by local families.
Council officers held in person sessions at parks, inviting children and parents to give direct feedback on what equipment, layouts and designs they wanted to see in their neighbourhoods.
Their input is already shaping what’s happening at the £120,000 refurbishment, in Mallard Road near Castlepoint,
The park is one of several to benefit from early investment while the wider programme ramps up.
Across the area, the council’s green spaces team has been tackling urgent repairs, from new steps at Haskells Recreation Ground and a replacement swing at Green Road in Poole, to an improved slide in Littlemoor Avenue and new skate play equipment in Moordown.
The most substantial phase of work will begin in 2026, with 20 major refurbishments scheduled.
Among the parks set for complete revamp are King’s Park, Hamworthy Park, Noyce Gardens and Winton Recreation Ground, all of which are said to receive brand new equipment and redesigned layouts.
The council says these sites were identified as high priority after strong community feedback.
Cllr Andy Hadley said: “This investment demonstrates the commitment we made throughout our consultation to deliver on their vision for community greenspaces.
“We’re now able to deliver even more improvements thanks to extra funding from other sources.”
Cllr Sandra Moore praised the collaboration with local families and ward councillors, saying it showed “what can be achieved when the council works with passionate communities”.
The strategy has also won national support, with Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes, chairing the cross-party group on play and securing £18 million in playground funding for the area.