Kings Park play area is set for a major transformation, with work beginning next month to essentially rebuild the popular play space from scratch.

The refurbishment will bring brand new swings, slides, climbing equipment and a zip-wire to the park, alongside more accessible and inclusive equipment.

Work is due to begin on 1 September and is expected to take around seven weeks to complete.

What’s coming to Kings Park?

The new design has a strong focus on climbing, swinging and adventurous play, with many of the features inspired by feedback gathered during a community consultation last summer.

Nature has also influenced the look and feel of the new playground, balancing more challenging activities for older children with quieter areas and inclusive equipment.

At the centre of the play space will be a large multi-play unit with ramped access.

Other new features will include:

• A brand new zip-wire
• Swings and slides
• Climbing equipment
• A new wide slide
• A carousel
• A wheelchair-accessible roundabout
• An inclusive see-saw

Shaped by local families

Funding for the Kings Park improvements was first announced in December 2024, before a community consultation took place in summer 2025.

Feedback gathered during that consultation helped directly shape the final plans for the playground.

A full procurement and design process has since taken place, with Hags appointed as the supplier for the site.

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Parks, said Kings Park is an important space for the surrounding community and that feedback from local people had been central to the project.

He said the Council had identified Kings Park as a priority when its Plan for Play strategy was first announced and welcomed the upcoming start of the refurbishment.

Part of a £4.6 million investment

The Kings Park project forms part of BCP Council’s wider Plan for Play improvement strategy, which is seeing more than £4.6million invested into around 100 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The programme includes full replacements and major upgrades at locations including Queen’s Park, Treasure Island and Bourne Valley.

Dozens of other sites, including Arne Crescent, Seafield Gardens and Barrack Road, are also receiving new equipment and smaller improvements.

Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Play Strategy, said Kings Park has been one of the most anticipated projects within the programme.

She said the investment goes beyond installing new equipment, giving future generations more opportunities to be active, build confidence and make memories.

Work at Kings Park is scheduled to begin on 1 September, with the transformation expected to take approximately seven weeks.