Published on Monday 21 July 2025
Image shows Millie Earl, as a toddler, at Whitecliff Harbourside
Fun, inclusive, and accessible play areas are vital to our communities - and that’s why we want to hear from residents in a new consultation as we continue to improve play spaces across our three towns.
Work is already underway to implement repairs to play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - with more than 120 set to benefit over the next two years.
This consultation is about hearing your thoughts on play spaces that will either be brand new or have been earmarked for major refurbishment, replacement or repurposing.
We want people to help us create improved and more inclusive play spaces that incorporate what is important to local residents - which is why it’s crucial that we understand their needs to ensure we deliver the best results possible.
Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “I’m excited that the consultation stage of Plan for Play will mean actively engaging with communities and, essentially, co-creating play spaces with them.
“It is vital that we look at the needs of each community – what they’re calling for – and cater for that. We want to create that sense of community ownership over a play space – it means it’s more likely to be used and cherished and gives people a real connection to a space that they’ve helped to create.
“The consultation will also bring out things we don’t necessarily know about as a Council – particularly when it comes to what children want to see – so I’m really excited for families to be able to get stuck in and help create some community play spaces that they can be proud of.”
Once we have received the thoughts of those within communities we will work with stakeholders, park users and suppliers to develop detailed designs in time for implementation in early 2026.
Councillors approved an ambitious multi-year Plan for Play strategy in December 2024 with the majority of funds coming from the Community Infrastructure Levy - a planning charge paid by developers.
The extensive project is the largest investment in play for BCP Council and ensures children are given the best opportunities to thrive in sustainable, and maintained, play spaces.
In total more than 120 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will benefit from investment and repairs.
The public consultation starts on 18 July and closes at 11.59pm on 24 August 2025; it can be completed online at www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/plan-for-play where you can also find further detail on a number of in-person events that are taking place.