Parents’ fury at Memorial Park play area design

PARENTS have reacted with fury to designs for the revamp of Keynsham Memorial Park’s upper play area.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has released two images that are similar but not identical. It is believed the one printed here more closely reflects its proposals.

But residents reacting on Facebook have not been impressed, complaining that the design shows too little equipment, too much empty space and a lack of imagination.

One said: “One of the biggest green spaces in the area and that’s the best we can do? All those questionnaires and “what would you like to see?” I can’t see a single thing I’ve recommended as a parent of 3.”

Another commented: “The longest wait for the biggest underwhelming plan I’ve ever seen! Hugely disappointed.”

Some called for extra play equipment, such as a wooden climbing castle and bridge, and a zip line.

One person said: “Make the long silver slide a double one so children can race down. If whoever “designed” this actually was a parent who attended the park, they would know there is always a queue of children waiting to go down that one slide.”

There was a feeling that Keynsham is missing out on the quality of facilities provided elsewhere. It was pointed out that B&NES Council has just received seven Green Flag Awards for beautiful parks and green spaces, and all of them are in Bath itself.

Some people were baffled that the design showed the number of swings being reduced.

One person said: “We don’t need lots of open space and landscaping, because the whole huge surrounding park provides that! We need sufficient swinging, sliding, climbing, spinning and jumping equipment to suit a wide range of ages and abilities and not require children to stand around waiting to play on things half the time they’re there.”

It was also felt there was a lack of facilities for children in wheelchairs or with other disabilities.

B&NES Council recently issued an updated tender for the play area improvement project after the previous tender failed to attract any bids by the closing date.

The council said: “We anticipate the play area works will begin in autumn 2026, once a contractor has been appointed and avoiding disruption to summer events in the park.

“We will replace the outdated play equipment with modern, accessible and safe play equipment. The design also includes improved surfaces for all users of the play area as well as new planting. This will result in a more inclusive play park suitable for children of all ages and abilities.”

“The smaller play area at the bottom of the park for younger children will remain as it is now.”

B&NES Council says the project is being funded by Section 106 money (secured from developers during the planning application process) and Keynsham Town Council. The expected cost of the park and landscaping improvements will be £250,000.

It adds: “The final design has been based on the extensive community consultation.”

But Martin Burton from Keynsham Labour Party said B&NES Council needs to think again.

He said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Keynsham, and residents feel we should be aiming higher.

“The Memorial Park sits at the heart of our town and has the potential to become a flagship family destination, supporting both community wellbeing and the local economy.

“The message from residents is clear: they want a play space that is imaginative, high quality, makes the best use of the space available and is of an equal quality to those that BANES Council have already created in Bath.

“We hope the council will listen carefully to the concerns being raised and consider what further improvements can still be made before the plans are finalised.”