MAJOR work to repair Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s playparks could be completed in just one year, a senior officer has said.
Martin Whitchurch, strategic lead for greenspace at BCP Council, acknowledged that there is a “level of ambition” in his hopes to repair defective equipment in 12 months.
A report written by the senior officer said 75 pieces of play equipment at BCP Council’s 171 play spaces are defective.
Discussions are already under way with contractors, Mr Whitchurch added, and he hopes the first of the 44 refurbishments needed would start by autumn 2025.
As reported, BCP Council estimates it needs £11.2million to repair, refurbish or replace each play park in the conurbation – currently unfunded.
Sandra Moore, cabinet member for communities, said “some play parks are in decline” and are in “obvious need of investment”.
“Legacy councils had very little future planning for when equipment reached the end of life, and we need to do something about that now,” she added.
She explained that there was government funding to improve play parks in 2009/10, but since then money has only come from developer contributions or other external funding for specific sites.
Cllr Moore added: “The aim now is to find a sustainable way to fund play parks so they’re accessible and appeal to a range of age groups and abilities.
“Everyone should have access to decent play facilities. However, given our budget situation, we’re also aware that funding will be a challenge and needs to come from a variety of sources.”
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.
A meeting of the place scrutiny committee on November 20 heard that play equipment typically has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and that this explains why there is a “noticeable surge” in parks breaking.
Chris Rigby, the Green chairman of the committee, said going forward he wants to see residents being consulted to gauge an idea what people really want.
BCP Council’s cabinet will discuss the playparks, funding and future steps at a meeting on December 10.
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