Work is now underway to regenerate the Woodpecker Play Area at Queen’s Park.

Over Summer half-term, children were invited to look at the options for new play equipment [pictured] and vote for what they liked the most.

The work in progress includes:

• Installation of the new multi-play equipment, chosen by the children – including an extra item to increase the amenities of the play park
• Repair of the basket and toddler swings
• Refurbishment of the accessibility ramp to ensure inclusive play
• Regeneration of the fort with new materials, selected to last against the elements.

Hard-working Green Councillor for Queen’s Park & Charminster, Alasdair Keddie, commented: “I’m really pleased that securing grant funding from the Veolia Environmental Trust has brought forward the repairs and improvements to the play area. This space has been sorely missed by families.

“We are at the front of play park regeneration in the whole conurbation. When the work is completed, we will have a destination-grade play area. Access to grant funding via the Forum has been a game-changer.”

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Green Councillor for East Cliff & Springbourne, Sara Armstrong, told the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “King’s Park was part of my childhood – a place where I found freedom, friendship and imagination. For many families, especially those living in flats or without gardens, spaces like Kings Park are not luxuries. They are essential for a healthy, happy childhood.”

Happily, BCP Council has a plan for change. Sara has received confirmation from staff of a £200,000 investment to completely redesign and rebuild King’s Park play park. A full Council consultation of the local community is in progress this summer. 

Sara commented: “I’ll keep pushing to make sure the process is inclusive, transparent, and delivers a space our community can be proud of.”

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The Woodpecker Play Area in Queen’s Park is set to be renewed, with a £73,000 grant secured from the Veolia Environmental Trust. The project will include new play equipment, improved facilities, and enhancements to the surrounding environment – making Queen’s Park an even better place for our community to come together.

Hard-working Green Councillor for Queen’s Park & Charminster, Alasdair Keddie, identified a suitable grant fund to apply to, and worked with the Queen’s Park & Charminster Neighbourhood Charity and BCP Council’s Greenspace Team to get the successful application in motion. The Neighbourhood Charity’s survey to local residents on the site’s future received 200 responses within days.

The existing wooden adventure play area installation has sadly largely expired long before its intended use-by date. Large parts of it are boarded up and no longer safe. The impact has been deeply felt by families in our local area.

Photo: Much of the existing play equipment has rotted

This came after staff at severely cash-strapped BCP Council had indicated to Alasdair they could not foot the entire cost of renewing the playground at this time. However, securing the grant will kickstart the project earlier, with a major financial contribution from the Council as part of their Plan for Play.

Photo: Alasdair at a prior site visit with BCP Council staff

Alasdair says: “The grant is a great win for our community!”

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Chris added: “Once that’s done, we can look at other schemes to assist the school, and try to make it safer for the kids getting there in the mornings.”

The post Chris Rigby working with St Luke’s School, Winton, for less traffic and safer journeys appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

“Maddie’s Miracle is a charity set up by parents who experienced a gap in the support available to assist with breastfeeding and perinatal care. They set up Maddie’s Miracle to address that.

“It was great to meet mums and their new babies who are thriving as a result of the professional support and caring networks for parents provided by this micro charity who have big ambitions!

“If you’re recently pregnant or have a new baby, check them out.”

The post Sara Armstrong joins birthday celebrations for local breastfeeding and perinatal care charity appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Other equipment in the park is also long overdue for refurbishment or replacement, and Kate and Joe continue to make the case that this should be a priority for council funding.

The post Joe and Kate Salmon sort new play equipment for Moordown Rec appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Sara said: “This is brilliant news for Knyveton Gardens and the communities who use it. The enhancements that this funding will be used for include play equipment for younger ages, accessibility improvements, vegetation management, a water fountain, better signage including a noticeboard and toilet provision.”

Residents have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the park. There are opportunities for local community members to come together to maintain the changes and improvements.

Please get in touch with Sara if you would like to find out more about becoming a Friend of Knyveton Gardens.

The post Councillor Sara Armstrong successful in £50,000 funding bid for Knyveton Gardens appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Alasdair and Mrs Dowler had a solutions–focused conversation covering:

•Creating a Community Engagement Officer role to improve relations with local residents.

•Developing a Travel Plan to set out the school’s policies on travel and parking.

•Exploring ways to increase the number of pupils cycling, scooting and walking to school.

The post Cleaner, safer school runs sought in queen’s park appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Simon’s letter

CONSISTENTLY missing the deadlines on Education, Health & Care Plans (ECHPs) can have a huge impact on families.

Parents rely on these to ensure their child/children get the appropriate support.

It can mean that a child is not found a place in a suitable educational setting, this can impact on the whole family and can affect the rest of a child’s life.

It is a challenge for the authority but a challenge that needs to be met, we should not fail these vulnerable children and their families.

I hear regularly about families who are at their wits end struggling without the necessary support.

COUNCILLOR SIMON BULL
Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth

The national picture

Nationally, campaigners have taken legal action against cuts by the Conservative Government, stating that councils can no longer afford adequate SEN provision.

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