There are currently 171 play sites across the BCP area comprising 1,175 individual pieces of play equipment (excluding fences, gates, benches etc) – download the Plan for Play Maps of play provision

Funding the required level of investment will be a challenge, however this will be clearer and easier with a defined strategy in place, helping to prioritise any available funding. This is supported by the valued work of community and stakeholder groups who are of increasing importance in championing, resourcing and sustaining local play needs.

The Council’s own Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) (developer contributions for the delivery of infrastructure to support housing growth) will be an important funding mechanism, alongside external funding available to charities and community groups.

Extensive evidence defines where the highest demand for new facilities is across BCP and provides a platform for decision making. All communities and their stakeholders will advocate for their play spaces to be at the top of this list. The strategy therefore sets out a rationale for delivery in a prioritised manner and process. It identifies the need for defect repairs, refurbishment, replacement, creation of new play spaces and repurposing; while taking in to account the diverse needs of our community.  

Play spaces, whether that be stepping logs on the way to school or a large destination site with a range of play, wheeled and social spaces, need to be fully considered in their setting and to respond to both the local environment and requirements of residents.

High quality landscape design should be used to ensure all factors are considered in any provision: ensuring they last a long time, provide value for money, are well used and loved and provide a range of stimulation, challenge and enjoyment; and created to be accessible and inclusive. The Design Guide (above) provides an overview of the requirements.

Scope

The Plan for Play aims to secure the future of play areas and wheeled sports provision in BCP Council. We have had to limit the scope of this strategy to ensure it remains achievable to include: 

• BCP Council owned play areas including rebound walls, natural play, play trails, play sculptures and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) and wheeled provisions including skate parks (timber ramps, ramps and rails, concrete bowls, concrete) BMX tracks (gravel, dirt & concrete,) and Cyclogyms. 
• The term Play should be read as encompassing all these facilities and uses and the Plan for Play references the whole strategy, Design guide and Improvement plan.
• Referenced to BCP’s Green spaces, so not indoor or private spaces, such as school playgrounds that are generally inaccessible to the public.
• The Plan for Play does not include other play opportunities across the conurbation such as splash parks, adult outdoor fitness equipment, or facilities managed by organised groups, such as the velodrome; these are all out of scope. 

Timing & next steps

The Plan for Play was presented and adopted by BCP Cabinet and full Council on 10 December 2024. At the same time the recommendation to approve £3.9 million of investment for play spaces. These works will focus on:

• Immediate defect repairs to pieces of play equipment with problems, such as swing seats, poor surfacing and moving parts.
• A range of refurbishments and replacements to existing play areas to improve play area quality.
• One new play area to replace a ‘cluster’ of old, smaller play areas in the vicinity.

The detail of the Improvement Plan and work streams to deliver this investment will be developed and published here in 2025.

Consultation

Wide-ranging pre-strategy public consultation was carried out during 2022-2024, through a BCP-wide Play Survey and engagement with the Council’s Youth Forum. If the Plan for Play is adopted by BCP Council, a further phased period of engagement will be undertaken, appropriate to the level of works proposed for each play space.

• Download the Plan for Play Consultation document (pdf)
• Download the Play Survey Report March 2023 (pdf)
• Future consultation will be promoted on this website and hosted on the BCP Council ‘Engagement HQ’ consultation platform at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk