Published on Monday 25 January 2021
BCP Council is proposing to transfer three spaces to Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council who would continue to manage them for children of all ages to enjoy.
Highcliffe Recreation Ground, Bluebell Close Play Area and Mudeford Wood Play Area all received playground refurbishments in 2019 as part of the Christchurch Play Project, a £1.2 million investment into local playgrounds across Christchurch that was undertaken to maximise usage of the sites and ensure a lasting legacy for future generations.
The refurbishment at these three sites included the installation of new play equipment for different ages as well as a multi-use games area for football and basketball at Highcliffe. Highcliffe Recreation Ground also includes a pavilion, toilets and playing field. Following lengthy discussions, a proposal is under consideration that these sites now be transferred over to Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council.
Councillor Mark Anderson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing & Waste, commented:
"I am pleased that we are proactively considering the best way to manage these facilities going forward. These play areas and open spaces are vital in allowing our children to get outside, get active and have a great time playing with their peers, which is especially important during these difficult times."
Bob Hutchings OBE, Chairman of Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council, commented:
"As Chairman of Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council I welcome the proposed transfer of the recreation ground in Highcliffe together with the play areas in Bluebell Close and Mudeford Wood. The Parish Council is fully committed to ensuring that children in the parish have somewhere safe to play and that the recreation ground can continue to provide a safe venue for our young footballers. We have worked hard with BCP Council over the past months to arrange this potential transfer of responsibility and we look forward to seeing the recreation ground used even more fully in the years ahead."