Press Release

14 October 2026

Improvements to begin at three play areas this autumn

Fareham Borough Council is pleased to announce that work will shortly commence at three play areas, as the council’s programme of play area improvements continues.

Following a public consultation on the proposed improvements earlier this year, Abshot Road, King George V Recreation Ground and Stubbington Recreation Ground will feature designs that reflect local priorities and provide inclusive, accessible and engaging play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities.

Work will begin at Abshot Road play area on 15 October 2026 and is expected to take approximately five weeks. Improvements will include: 

• Accessible swing with Tango seat
• Tile slide and balancing trail to encourage active play
• Sensory and educational play elements, including sign language and counting activities
• Bespoke Farm Shop play panel to support imaginative and social play
• Interactive tarmac graphics
• New seating provision and improved circulation throughout the site

At King George V Recreation Ground, work is scheduled to start on 21 October 2026 and will take approximately four weeks to complete. The upgraded play area will feature:

• A group basket swing to provide an inclusive and social play experience
• An inclusive seesaw designed to encourage cooperative play
• A refresh of the existing toddler multi-play unit incorporating climbing, crawling, and sliding activities for younger children
• An interactive balance trail to develop balance, coordination, and confidence
• An upper body activity station to support physical development and active play
• A low-level play puzzle providing educational and sensory play opportunities
• Bespoke maze panel and wordsearch panel play features, incorporating Fareham-themed elements to encourage problem-solving and imaginative play
• Inclusive picnic tables to improve accessibility and provide seating for families and carers

Improvements at Stubbington Recreation Ground will commence on 14 December 2026 and are expected to take approximately one week. Equipment will include:

• Accessible swing with Tango seat
• Inclusive springer
• Sensory and educational play elements, including sign language and a bespoke compass
• Bespoke butterfly play panel to support imaginative and social play
• Interactive tarmac graphics
• Inclusive seesaw

The timescales of improvements for each play area are subject to weather, ground conditions and unforeseen circumstances. The works will be delivered by HAGS, a leading playground designer and manufacturer with extensive experience in delivering high-quality and inclusive play environments. The scheme makes use of the existing playgrounds’ footprints, minimising the requirement for extensive groundworks and reducing disruption to the surrounding area.

Executive Member for Leisure and Community at Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Frair Burgess, said:

"These improvements demonstrate the Council's ongoing commitment to investing in high-quality play facilities for local families. The new equipment has been carefully chosen to provide a wide range of play opportunities, from active and imaginative play through to sensory and educational experiences. I look forward to seeing families enjoy these enhanced facilities for many years to come."

For more information about the play area improvement programme, please visit www.fareham.gov.uk/playareaimprovements. 

Play area improvements is a key project set out in Priority Five of the Council’s Corporate Strategy: Leisure opportunities for wellbeing and fun.
 

ENDS

For further information contact:

Customer Enquiries

Tel: 01329 236100
Email: customerservicecentre@fareham.gov.uk

Media Enquiries

The Communications Team
Tel: 01329 824310
Email: publicity@fareham.gov.uk
Fax: 01329 550576

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