We provide 60 play spaces across the area, with others provided by Curo Group and town or parish councils.
In 2019, we undertook a comprehensive review of all of our play spaces. We found that there was some duplication in the provision of formal play areas regarding age demographic and close proximity to other play spaces.
As a result, we consulted with local communities at ten sites in the area about potential changes to these play spaces.
Consultation results and Single Member Decision
Following this community consultation period, a Single Member Decision in March 2020 agreed on the following plans for the play areas:
- A community asset transfer of 3 play areas to town councils; 2 in Radstock (Collier's Way and Manor Copse) and 1 in Midsomer Norton (Hillside Crescent).
- Re-purposing 2 play areas (Parry Close and St Saviours in Bath), replacing conventional play equipment with natural play opportunities and landscape improvements.
- A further consultation on the future of the play area and adjacent open space at Ridge Green Close and Sulis Meadows in Bath.
- We agreed to work with residents at Calton Road, Bath to raise grant funding to replace the current play area provision with new natural play facilities.
- No changes to be made to play areas at Chalfield Close in Keynsham and Loxton Drive and Burnt House Road in Bath.
St Saviours Open Space review
We conducted a further consultation on the landscape at St Saviours Open Space in Bath on 20 November 2021. 48 adults and children attended the event, and while most were sad to see that the play equipment will be removed, all were supportive of the idea to enhance the space as a nature garden.
We are currently working on plans to remove the play equipment and develop the nature garden. The final plan for the site will be displayed at St Saviours Open Space in 2022.
The Parks Department will also work closely with the Alice Park Trust and local ward councillors to fundraise for improvements to nearby play areas at Larkhall Recreation Ground and Alice Park.