Published on Tuesday 19 May 2026
Image shows a see-saw at Seafield Gardens - a previous CIL funded project
New swings, seesaws and ponds are coming to play areas and green spaces across Bournemouth and Poole – as part of a brand-new round of funding.
An additional £400,000 has been awarded by BCP Council to support more than 20 green space projects as part of the seventh round of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding.
From refreshed play equipment and upgraded BMX tracks to restored ponds, new seating and safer paths, the funding will enhance already loved community spaces – helping residents spend time outdoors, connect, and enjoy their local environment.
Eight projects focus directly on play improvements: including replacement swings at Slades Farm, improvements to the BMX track at Haskells Rec, and new slides at Bournemouth’s central gardens.
One of the largest funding allocations - £200,000 – will transform the much-loved Charter Road play area in Bearwood. The funding will replace existing equipment, which is ageing, and upgrade the BMX facilities so that the site can meet the needs of a growing community.
The improvements go hand-in-hand with BCP Council’s existing multi-year Plan for Play strategy which is delivering repairs and upgrades at more than 120 play spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Already the team has been able to re-open play spaces including on Kingston Road, in Poole, thanks to freshly laid surfaces and new equipment whilst Treasure Island, in Canford Cliffs, is currently undergoing a major £140,000 refurbishment.
Cllr Sandra Moore, portfolio holder with responsibility for Play Strategy at BCP Council, said: “This funding will help us give children and families safe, inclusive, high-quality places to play right on their doorstep.
“From replacing worn-out equipment to investing in major upgrades, we’re responding directly to what residents have told us matter most to them,
“By improving play spaces across BCP we’re helping children stay active, supporting family wellbeing, and putting play back at the heart of our local communities.”
Alongside play improvements, funding has been awarded to projects that will both bolster access to green spaces for residents and enhance nature recovery across the region.
New ponds will be created at Manorside Academy and Pelham’s Park whilst 21 benches will be installed at locations where residents have said they want to see them – including Turner’s Nursery, Haskell’s Rec, and Conifer Estates. All of this makes it easier than ever for residents to immerse themselves in BCP’s stunning surroundings
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder with responsibility for parks at BCP Council, said: “We know how loved our parks and green spaces are – supporting everything from physical and mental wellbeing to social connection and, of course, nature recovery.
“In addition to enhancing play spaces, this fresh round of funding will improve public access to nature, restore ponds and paths, and add seating and interpretation boards that help people enjoy and understand their local environment.
“We’re backing community-led projects and making it easier for residents to not only spend time outdoors but to feel proud of the stunning greenspaces that surround us.”
In total, more than £1.4million has been allocated to 81 community projects as part of the seventh round of funding: including improvements to the Bournemouth Station St Paul’s roundabout – with new murals, artwork and landscaping – as well as significant investment in local transport improvements and community hubs.