Play area improvements gather pace across BCP – with next steps confirmed for priority sites

Major refurbishments to play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are now firmly underway, with a number of priority sites set to see upgrades installed over the coming months.

One of the biggest milestones is at Treasure Island in Canford Cliffs, which is expected to re-open in the coming weeks following major refurbishment work designed to make the much-loved play space fit for future generations.

Treasure Island: new pirate ship and themed play zones

At the heart of the refreshed Treasure Island site will be a brand-new large pirate ship, replacing the existing structure. The upgraded design includes:

• New climbing equipment
• Slides
• Sensory play features
• A miniature zip-wire

The pirate ship will be surrounded by a range of themed play zones, encouraging children to climb, balance and explore — with new additions such as rope swings and rocking springers for “budding buccaneers”.

The improvements form part of BCP Council’s wider Plan for Play strategy, and have been funded through the Canford Cliffs Land Society alongside a successful Neighbourhood CIL application supported by ward councillors.

Next priority sites moving into installation phase

BCP Council says major improvements at several other key play areas have now taken a significant step forward. Following a full procurement process, contractors and suppliers have been appointed and designs are being finalised — meaning new equipment will soon be installed at:

• Kings Park
• Hamworthy Park
• Bourne Valley
• Noyce Gardens
• Muscliff Park
• Mallard Road

Noyce Gardens: four zones including sensory play

Noyce Gardens, near Jewell Academy, will receive a wide range of new play features including swings, slides, zip-wires and climbing equipment.

The site will be split into four distinct zones:

• Toddlers
• Primary school ages
• Teens
• A sensory area to support accessible, inclusive play

Council: designs inspired by local families

Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council Cabinet member with responsibility for play strategy, said the team has been working behind the scenes to award contracts and progress designs — shaped by the ideas of local children, young people and families.

She acknowledged that the process can feel slow, but explained the council must follow a full legal framework before work begins. She added that while procurement has been ongoing, the council has also been prioritising immediate improvements to nearby play spaces so communities aren’t left without quality equipment.

Kings Park: £200,000 set aside for a full refurbishment

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for parks, said Kings Park was identified as a priority site during last summer’s consultation, with £200,000 allocated for a complete refurbishment.

He said the aim has been to create a brand-new play space that reflects what local children and families want — and that the project shows what can be achieved when the council and communities work together.

A wider investment across more than 120 play areas

BCP Council’s Plan for Play programme is delivering repairs, improvements and major refurbishments to more than 120 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The multi-year project will see more than £4.6 million invested into play spaces, made up of an initial £3.9 million allocation plus additional funding secured through grants, neighbourhood CIL and ward improvement funds.

How to stay updated

Residents can keep up to date with the latest Plan for Play refurbishments by:

• Following BCP Council and BCP Parks and Open Spaces on social media
• Signing up to the weekly residents’ newsletter
• Visiting the council’s dedicated Plan for Play website