Ready, set, play! Bitterne Precinct Park now open

On Wednesday 23 April, Councillor John Savage officially opened the new Bitterne Precinct Park

A soft opening took place earlier on in the Easter Holidays to allow children to enjoy all that the new park has to offer over the school break.

The scheme was announced in October 2024 and developed by Southampton City Council, working with Kompan Play Equipment and Schofield Groundworks to transform Bitterne Precinct. This unique addition to Bitterne is the first Urban Play and Park in Southampton. It provides local children with a chance to enjoy a wide range of play and exercise equipment in a safe outdoor environment, encouraging them to keep active.

This new destination play park welcomes families with children of all ages and abilities. The work has been built on council-conducted research and guidance from ‘Make Space for Girls’ to provide space for exciting play opportunities, that are complemented with quieter green spaces with trees, shrubs and grass areas to enjoy within the high street setting. Interesting seating, hangout and exercise spaces outside of the main play areas, can also be more flexibly used by older children.

Councillor John Savage, Cabinet Member for Green City and Net Zero said:

"The park element of the scheme provides important additional green space in the Precinct. I know that communities will make the most of this space with the warmer weather and I look forward to hearing about the positive impact it has on people’s daily lives."

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment added:

"I am delighted that the improvement works are complete in time for the Easter holidays and for families to enjoy just as the weather begins to turn. These improvements to the urban area provide facilities for residents and visitors to stay longer and use the retail businesses within Bitterne, increasing the local economy."

Surfacing is an essential part of the overall scheme to maintain easily accessible routes through the Precinct. Resin bound and wet pour safer surfacing have been used throughout the project to provide a long lasting and durable surface while also making it ideal for mobility and pushchair users.

All the play equipment has been chosen for its robust qualities. Made from steel and durable accessories and selected to require minimal maintenance:

• Mountain Trail with slide – a multifunctional play structure encouraging socialising, turn-taking and empathy through climbing, crawling, spinning, balancing & sliding.
• Kuma – a climbing play structure encouraging socialising, turn taking and empathy through multiple climbing, suspend and bouncing options with a hang out space.
• Spinner Bowl – encouraging turn-taking through rotation and balance.
• Spica - encouraging turn-taking through rotation and balance.
• Somersault Bars – encouraging socialising and turn-taking through balance & acrobatic challenge.
• Stepping Pods – encouraging turn-taking through balance.
• Over Under Bars – encouraging socialising and turn-taking through exercise.
• Toddler Tower – encouraging socialising and turn-taking through climbing, sliding and cognitive play.
• Scooter Springer – encouraging turn-taking through rocking and balance.

Bitterne United Reform Church donated a Maidenhair Tree (Ginko biloba) which has been planted within the scheme and near the church.