Welcome to the first Plan for Play newsletter.
Project overview
BCP Council’s Plan for Play is a multi-year, multi-million-pound programme designed to transform more than 120 play spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
Approved in December 2024, this ambitious five-year strategy aims to create high-quality, accessible, safe, and inclusive play spaces for all ages and abilities. With 171 play spaces in total, the project has been divided into phases to ensure effective delivery.
Phase 1 has secured £3.9 million to prioritise urgent repairs and undertake major refurbishments at nearly 20 sites. Our vision is clear: to provide spaces where everyone can learn, have fun, and be active through play, fostering brighter futures for local communities.
Next steps
A revised and full improvement plan will be published in January 2026. This will give a timeline for the delivery of improvements in 2026 and 2027, further engagement where required and other details.
Immediate repairs will continue, and major refurbishments will begin early in the New Year.
We will also pursue additional funding and maintain engagement with community groups.
Budget constraints and resource limitations remain significant, meaning careful prioritisation of works is required.
Work to date
The team has been prioritising immediate repairs and improvements across a network of 120 play spaces, including new swings at Green Road, improved slides at Littlemoor Avenue, and skate equipment at Moordown.
Earlier this year we completed our first major refurbishment – with Queen’s Park opening its doors once again and already being loved once again by local children, young people and families.
Replacement steps at Haskells Rec
Replacement steps at Haskells Rec
Swing at Green Road play area
Swing at Green Road play area
Project update
Public consultation
From 18 July to 24 August, we ran a public consultation, including an online survey and 12 face-to-face events at eight play spaces including Kings Park, Hamworthy Park, and Muscliff Park.
Over 600 responses were received, and 241 children participated in creative activities, including voting for their favourite play features and submitting drawings – one child even presented a 3D design!
Feedback was collated into 11 zone-specific reports and used to refine the Improvement Plan, ensuring community priorities are reflected. A new FAQ page is now live on this website.
Supply and delivery planning
A supplier framework has been established to guarantee quality spare parts, maintenance, and design installation at competitive prices. This was a critical step before design work could begin. Annual inspections have also informed a repair schedule prioritising urgent fixes.
Three landscape architects have completed a design guide to ensure inclusivity and sustainability, and design briefs for Phase 1 sites are being developed using public feedback.
Budget and completed work
Alongside the £3.9 million allocated for Phase 1, nearly £500,000 has been secured from third-party and neighbourhood funding. Budgets have been reprofiled to reflect revised recommendations. The first major refurbishment – Queen’s Park play space – was completed and reopened on 28 October, funded by Plan for Play and Veolia Environment Trust. Defect repairs are ongoing across the conurbation.
Since approval in December 2024, significant progress has been made already on Plan for Play. Community engagement has been invaluable in shaping plans to meet local needs; thank you for your patience and support.
Download a copy of this newsletter as a pdf
Sign up for future updates
Newsletters are emailed direct to those that signed up during our in-person and online summer consultation events. If you would like a regular copy sent to your Inbox, please email your request, including your full name & email address to greenspaces@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
The same greenspaces email address can be used for any queries about the project, or any requests for removal from our Plan for Play mailing list.
