Poole | Posted on June 19th, 2026 | return to news

Canford Cliffs play park to welcome young pirates

The Treasure Island play park is re-opening. People are invited to a special ceremony on 20 June, with lots of entertainment.

Ahoy there! Young people will once again be able to release their inner buccaneer at the re-opening of the Treasure Island play park in Canford Cliffs.

To celebrate the completed refurb, a special opening ceremony will drop anchor between 11am and 2pm on 20 June, with the Canford Cliffs Land Society hosting face painting, games and entertainment in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

As well as the new pirate ship taking pride of place at the helm, there is upgraded climbing equipment, slides, sensory play features and a mini zip-wire.

Surrounding the ship are themed play zones, encouraging young adventurers to climb, balance and set sail on imaginative voyages: explore everything from rocking springers to new rope swings that wouldn’t look out of place on the high seas.

Cllr Sandra Moore, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for Play Strategy, said: “The transformation of Treasure Island over the last few weeks is simply fantastic and will ensure the surrounding community has access to a high-quality, inclusive play space for years to come.

“The project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the council works alongside passionate community groups, residents and ward councillors to deliver real improvements.”

More than £130,000 has been invested in the refurbishment, joint-funded by the Canford Cliffs Land Society and a successful Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) application from ward councillors, with improvements delivered as part of BCP Council’s overarching Plan for Play strategy.

Cllr John Challinor, ward councillor for Canford Cliffs, said: “Whilst this playground was not part of the council’s initial tranche of projects, thanks to the generosity of the Canford Cliffs Land Society and the use of a Neighbourhood CIL allocation, we’ve been able to work with BCP Council officers and the local community to design a great new play space for all to enjoy.

“As ward councillors, myself and Gavin Wright are very much looking forward to this project being completed and providing a fun area for children and families to play and be active for years to come.”

New fitness play equipment has been installed to boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Bolstered inclusivity and accessibility have been at the heart of the re-design, with balance beams, a play tower and a communication panel all installed for smaller pirates just beginning their crusading career.

And there’s combination seat swings, resurfaced paths and enhancements to existing well-loved features – such as the cone spinner – ensuring everyone can come aboard and enjoy the site.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder with responsibility for parks at BCP Council, said: “The re-opening of Treasure Island, after significant upgrades, is the continuation of a huge year of play improvements across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“In the coming months there’ll be major upgrades at key locations, including Kings Park, Mallard Road, Hamworthy Park and Noyce Gardens, to name just a few, alongside repairs and improvements already being implemented by our team at dozens of sites across our three towns.”