Anchor Close in Kinson gets new swings and a multi-play unit by mid-November, with two more play areas being upgraded in Poole. Updated November 2026.
The play area at Anchor Close in Kinson is being refurbished and is due back by mid-November. It is one of three upgrades BCP Council announced this week. The other two are in Poole.
Anchor Close is getting:
- replacement swings
- a new multi-play unit with an overhead ladder, slide and fireman’s pole
- somersault bars
- a quieter area with play panels
- picnic tables and seating
The three sites
Dawkins Road is in Poole, about six miles west of Bournemouth town centre. Branksome Recreation Ground is also in Poole, about three miles west.
The dates and budgets come from the council’s concept plans page, last updated on 4 November. The press release gives neither.
| Play area | Budget | Start on site | Due back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor Close, Kinson, BH11 9HZ | £60,000 | 26 October | Mid-November |
| Dawkins Road, Poole, BH15 4LB | £95,750 | 2 November | Mid-December |
| Branksome Recreation Ground, Poole, BH12 2EB | £78,500 | 19 November | 21 December |
That is £234,250 across the three.
Dawkins Road keeps its cone climber and multi-play unit, both upgraded. It gains a pyramid rope climber, a zip wire, more swings and a wheelchair-accessible carousel. Branksome gets a mountain theme, with replacement swings and a climbing unit.
Who is paying
Dawkins Road and Branksome come from the original Plan for Play money approved in December 2024. That is developer contributions through the Community Infrastructure Levy.
Anchor Close is different. It has extra funding from BCP Homes, the council’s landlord service, plus neighbourhood levy money for the picnic table and seating. The council has not said how the £60,000 splits between them.
Cllr Sandra Moore, the portfolio holder for play strategy, said the designs were “directly shaped by the views of the local community”.
What is still late
The concept plans page still gives end October as the finish for Noyce Gardens, which has now passed. It was first due at the end of September. Muscliff Park is listed for early November, and phase one of Churchill Gardens is due on 6 November.
We track every Bournemouth site on our play area rebuilds page.
What it means for you
If you use Anchor Close, expect it to stay fenced off for about another 10 days, on the council’s date. The rebuilt Kings Park on Ashley Road is open if you want a zip wire in the meantime.
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