Published on Tuesday 24 June 2025
Budding knights of the realm will soon be able to buckle their swashes again at a renewed and improved fort in the Queen’s Park play area.
Work to the play area will commence next month with the existing fort structure repaired alongside the installation of a new climbing frame and replacement swings.
The accessible ramp next to the play area will also be repaired thanks to the grant which ensures the play area, café, and toilets are inclusive for the entire community.
The improvements have been made possible thanks to a £73,000 grant from Veolia Environmental Trust, allowing for repairs and improvements to take place over the coming months.
Working in partnership with Queens Park and Charminster Neighbourhood Forum, feedback from a public consultation helped deliver a successful funding bid.
The consultation highlighted the importance of the Woodpecker Play Area to the wider community - with 99.7% of respondents saying the place was an important local facility.
Veolia’s funding is in addition to a £150,000 investment from the Council as part of BCP’s Plan for Play strategy
Further consultation during the summer will look at play for teens adjacent to the existing play area.
Cllr Sandra Moore, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Play Strategy at BCP Council, said: “This is another welcome boost to the future of Queen’s Park - a play area we know is cherished by the surrounding community.
“It’s fantastic that work will soon get underway to rejuvenate the space and I am delighted that we’ve been able to work with Queen’s Park and Charminster Neighbourhood Forum, as well as ward councillors, to secure this funding.
“The Council’s Plan for Play strategy is all about providing high-quality and accessible play spaces and this additional funding will help us to achieve just that for Queen’s Park.”
Cllr Alasdair Keddie, ward councillor for Queen’s Park, said: “I am delighted that securing the Veolia grant funding has brought forward the repairs and improvements to the Woodpecker Play Area in Queen’s Park.
“This has been a brilliant collaboration between the council and the Queen’s Park & Charminster Neighbourhood Forum in delivering the BCP Plan for Play at Queens Park.”
“I hope it demonstrates what can be achieved across the area when we all work together”.
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 in the history of 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.