Two BCP play areas set for improvements after communities have their say
Setley Gardens and Chesildene Avenue will both benefit from improvements following a community consultation held in June, where children, young people and families were invited to have their say on the future of the spaces.
The feedback has now helped determine how funding will be spent, with Setley Gardens set for a major transformation and repairs planned for Chesildene Avenue.
Major transformation for Setley Gardens
Setley Gardens, located just behind Castlepoint, is set to undergo a full refurbishment.
The investment will see the play area transformed with the aim of creating a space that can be enjoyed by local children and families for years to come.
Details of the final design and equipment have not yet been announced, but community feedback gathered earlier this summer will help shape the plans.
Chesildene Avenue play area to remain
There is also good news for families around Chesildene Avenue.
The play area had previously been proposed for repurposing, but following strong engagement from the local community, investment will instead be made into repairing and improving the existing play facilities.
BCP Council says the decision reflects its commitment to putting the views of the people who use local play areas at the centre of its plans.
Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Play Strategy, said conversations with local children and families had directly shaped how investment would be made at Setley Gardens and Chesildene Avenue.
She said the improvements would reflect the priorities of the communities using the spaces.
£4.6million being invested across BCP
The latest announcement forms part of BCP Council’s wider Plan for Play strategy, which is investing more than £4.6million into around 100 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Nearly 20 sites are receiving major refurbishments, while dozens more are benefiting from repairs, new equipment and smaller improvements.
Bourne Valley recently underwent a £140,000 transformation, while major refurbishments are currently taking shape at Noyce Gardens, Mallard Road and Kings Park.
Work is also due to get underway at Muscliff and Hamworthy.
Creating better places for children to play
Funding for the Plan for Play programme comes through the development-funded Community Infrastructure Levy.
Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Parks, said the latest investment is another step in improving play facilities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
He said the programme aims to create better, safer and more exciting places for children to play while making sure local parks continue to serve their communities for years to come.
Further details on the improvements planned for Setley Gardens and Chesildene Avenue are expected as the projects progress.
