New adventures to get underway with major refurb of Kings Park play area

Work to transform Kings Park play area will soon get started – with major upgrades set to bring new life to the much-loved park.

Brand new equipment – from swings and slides to climbing equipment and a brand new zip-wire – will see the play area essentially re-built from scratch as part of BCP Council’s Plan for Play strategy.

The refurbishment has an emphasis on climbing, swinging and adventurous play: all inspired by ideas from last summer’s consultation.

Inspired by nature, the design balances challenging play for older adventurers with quieter sections aimed at improving inclusivity.

At the centre of the play space will be a large multi-play unit with ramped access: and upgrades will result in a new wide slide, carousel, wheelchair accessible roundabout and inclusive see-saw.

Work will get underway on 1 September and is expected to take around seven weeks.

Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for parks, said: “We know just how important Kings Park is to the surrounding community – it is a brilliant park and I am so pleased that we are now able to play back at the heart of it.

“When we first announced BCP Council’s Plan for Play strategy we made clear that King’s Park was a priority site and that community feedback would be central to the final design.

“I hope this demonstrates just how seriously we took that commitment: and I cannot wait to see the refurbishment take shape.”
 
Funding for the improvements was first announced in December 2024, and a community consultation took place in summer 2025. This feedback directly shaped the final design and, in the months since, a full procurement and design process saw Hags appointed as the supplier for the site.

The major refurbishment is the latest in BCP Council’s extensive Plan for Play improvement strategy – which is seeing more than £4.6million invested into around 100 play areas. Funding for the package of improvements was first approved by Cllrs in December 2024.

That includes a mixture of full replacements and upgrades – at the likes of Queen’s Park, Treasure Island, and Bourne Valley – as well as new equipment and smaller upgrades at dozens of additional sites: including Arne Crescent, Seafield Gardens and Barrack Road.

Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for play strategy, said: “Plan for Play is a fantastic example of how the Council can work alongside passionate community groups to deliver real and lasting improvements.
 
“King’s Park has been one of the most talked about and anticipated projects within our package of upgrades and I know local families will be delighted to see work soon get underway.

“This investment is about so much more than new equipment, though: it’s a commitment that gives future generations fantastic opportunities to be active, build confidence, and make memories that last a lifetime.”