IT would take £11.2million of funding to bring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s play parks back up to a good standard, a report has highlighted. 

Over five years, the money could fix 75 pieces of defective equipment, refurbish 44 sites, replace 20 further sites in the same location, 32 sites changed and introduce two new play spaces. 

The report said that since BCP Council’s formation in 2019, there have been nine insurance claims against the authority for injury because of defective equipment – costing the council £4,466. 

Martin Whitchurch, strategic lead for greenspace at BCP Council, has devised a ‘Plan for Play’ strategy designed to bring improvements to the conurbation's play infrastructure. 

CLOSED: Play parks in Kings and Queen's parks have been closed over safety fearsCLOSED: Play parks in Kings and Queen's parks have been closed over safety fears (Image: Daily Echo)

Currently unfunded, Mr Whitchurch has written a report to BCP Council’s cabinet asking to adopt the new workplan. 

BCP Council looks after 171 play spaces that together have 1,175 individual pieces of equipment excluding public realm such as fences and benches. 

And Mr Whitchurch has warned that by 2026, 45 sites could be at the point of closure and by 2033, that will rise to 164 spaces. 

The Echo has previously reported on several play parks that have been closed because the council has deemed them a “health and safety hazard”. 

Mr Whitchurch said: “This report highlights the details contained in the strategy, most notably how our stock of play facilities – play equipment, cycle and BMX facilities – is in severe decline and in need of significant investment. 

“The Plan for Play includes an improvement plan that sets out a phased approach to investing in the equipment that is crucial to our young people and their physical and mental well-being.

“This investment can make an immediate impact that ensures play areas stay open and creates a pathway to work with communities, local business and funders to support our play needs.” 

(Image: Daily Echo)

Funding for the first phase of work would be found from various streams to make up the £3.9million needed. 

This includes strategic community infrastructure levy, which is a charge from the council to developers for new projects and reserves, the report said. 

Mr Whitchurch said funding for the other phases of Plan for Play would be from grants, community funds, high street businesses and even donations and crowdfunding. 

He warned that if the play equipment is allowed to decline, the rate of insurance claims and need for payments will likely increase.