Families and young people in Poole can expect a significant upgrade to their local play facilities after the BCP Council announced it has increased funding for its long-term plan to modernise parks and playgrounds across the region. The council has secured an additional £293,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy, bringing the total investment for the Plan for Play programme to more than £4.6 million.
The council launched the project following assessments that identified 171 play sites, containing over 1,100 pieces of equipment, as being in major decline across the area. This new funding will allow the local authority to deliver more improvements than originally planned when the strategy was first adopted in December 2024.
A key focus of this work is the complete rebuild of Baiter Skatepark in Poole. First built in 1999, the current site consists of metal ramps on a tarmac base and serves as the largest skatepark in the area for skateboarders, BMX riders, and those on scooters or inline skates. The council has designated this as a priority project and is working with Maverick Skateparks to replace the ageing structure with a new, handcrafted concrete facility at an estimated cost of £400,000.
While the design process has faced some site-specific challenges, including a high water table that prevents the inclusion of a concrete bowl, the council confirms other concrete features are being planned. Residents have already been involved in the development process, with community consultation sessions taking place in both December 2025 and March 2026 to help shape the final look of the new park.
The council intends to share further updates on the progress of upgrades at this site and others throughout 2026 as construction continues across the region.
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