A NEW, larger playpark has opened at Branksome Recreation Ground in Poole as part of a £150,000 project.

Following five months of work, the new facility was officially opened by the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Sean Gabriel, last week.

Branksome Rec provides the only significant public space for residents of east Poole.

As well as the new playpark, money from the project has been used to improve footpaths, build new boundary fencing, and install additional seating.

The community centre, which previously was situated away from the playpark, has now been brought into the heart of the new space.

The centre, which is mainly staffed by volunteers, features a café and toilets.

Poole council worked on fundraising bids for the project last year, in partnership with the Poole Communities Trust at the Branksome Centre, The Friends of Branksome Rec, and Branksome West Residents Association, with support from local councillors, Heatherlands Primary School and residents.

Councillor John Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for environment at Poole council said: “It’s great to see this exciting outdoor space being revitalised and brought up to date for the local community to enjoy.

The redesign, which has incorporated the Branksome Centre as a focal point of the playpark, will be of great benefit to all. I’d like to thank Reuben Hawkwood and the Environmental Services Open Spaces Development team for their excellent work on this project.”

Branksome West councillor Philip Eades said: “The redesigned space will no doubt provide hours of entertainment for local children and will bring a real sense of community for my constituents.”