BCP Council spending millions on play areas and opening paddling pools
It's aimed at giving parents low-cost activities to do with their children
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has received almost £4million to upgrade play spaces ‘vital’ for children’s development.
The project - which is part of the council's five-year Plan for Play strategy - would ensure children were given the best opportunities to enjoy themselves in well-maintained play spaces.
There’s a hope within the council that the improved play areas will boost child confidence, give them opportunities to socialise, and ultimately improve their physical and mental health.
Councillor Sandra Moore said: "Some of our best memories as children are formed whilst playing with friends and that should be no different for the next generation.
“The breadth of this project shows our commitment, as a council, to give everyone the best opportunities in life."
The local authority has also confirmed that all four local public paddling pools will reopen this summer.
That includes Redhill paddling pool, The Quomps Splashpark at Christchurch Quay, Hamworthy Park Padding Pool and Littledown Park paddling pool.
The four paddling pools, which are “loved by thousands of families and young people”, are all free-to-enter and offer a low-cost activity for families in the summer months.
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of the council, said: “These paddling pools are hugely popular with our local communities and I’m so pleased that we can now confirm that they will all be open and ready to welcome families by the summer.
“This is joint working between the council and the BCP community at its very best, and we would like to see much more of this type of collaboration in the future. This is why we are proposing a community governance review - to give local communities more of a say in what matters to them.”
Rob Cunningham from BH Live added: “The paddling pool is a vital local facility for early years outdoor play, giving children a free, safe space to be active, build confidence, and develop through splashing, exploring, making friends and spending quality time with their families.
“It’s a great place to cool down on a hot day, enjoy being active with others, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”