Ships Ahoy! Major Hamworthy play area upgrades announced

A major refurb of Hamworthy Park’s play area is set to get underway in the coming weeks – a £190,000 refurb designed to make the space more accessible than ever before.

Designs for the upgrade have now been published following extensive work between BCP Council’s green spaces team, Diverse Abilities, and local children, young people and families.

Accessibility is at the heart of the refurbishment with wheelchair-accessible equipment throughout, as well as specialist sensory and inclusive play equipment.

The design is split into four key zones – incorporating everything from water play and a specifically designed sensory area, to swings, slides and everything in between.

At the heart of the play area is a wheelchair ramped playboat, inspired by Hamworthy’s maritime heritage, and complete with sensory equipment on the ‘deck’ , and a double and triple-slide.

Families will be able to enjoy eight different swings, including a Me-to-You swing that enables children and carers to play side-by-side.

Elsewhere, the plans feature a wheelchair-transferable roundabout, accessible water play, a playhouse and inclusive picnic seating.

A dedicate sensory and quiet space will provide a calmer environment away from the busier play zones. Featuring communication, Braille and multi-sensory panels, alongside a playhouse shelter, storytelling chair and interactive rain wheel.

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council's portfolio holder for Parks, said: "Hamworthy Park holds a special place in the heart of local families and this refurbishment will create a space where every child feels welcome and able to join in the fun.

"Inclusivity has been at the heart of this design from the very beginning with local families, children, and specialist accessibility organisations helping to shape a space that caters for a wide range of needs and abilities.

"Within sight and sounds from the harbour, and from the sensory features and wealth of accessible equipment to the fantastic new playboat inspired by Hamworthy's maritime heritage, this investment will create a place where everyone can come together and play."

Clare Rochford , Short Breaks Manager at Diverse Ability, said: “We really appreciate BCP Council consulting Diverse Abilities on the refurbishment of Hamworthy Park. Access to inclusive play and community spaces can make a huge difference to children with disabilities, and we hope the new park will provide opportunities for more families to play, connect and enjoy the outdoors together. 

"We look forward to the children and families supported by our charity experiencing it for themselves.”

The refurbishment forms part of BCP Council’s Plan for Play improvement strategy that is delivering improvements at around 100 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

In total more than £4.6million is being invested with major refurbishment projects at nearly 20 key locations, whilst dozens of other sites will benefit from new equipment and smaller-scale repairs and improvements.

Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for Play Strategy, said: "This design showcases exactly what our Plan for Play improvements are all about: high-quality, accessible, and inclusive fun for children and young people of all ages.

"Hamworthy's heritage is rightfully reflected in the final design – and the ideas of local families are bursting throughout.

"These upgrades will put play back at the heart of Hamworthy and I cannot wait to see it being enjoyed by the local community."