I FEEL I must comment on your article ‘Golfers slam play area plan as ‘utter madness’’ (Echo, February 1).
I would point out that the car park mentioned is for all users of Queens Park and not just for users of the golf course, as the article states.
We are aware that if the play area is built in the car park then some parking spaces will be lost (although nowhere near a third as your article states) and also that there will be additional demand from parents bringing their children to the play area.
It is therefore planned to move the recycling bins (which are currently taking up car parking space) and to open overflow facilities in the adjacent field.
The Queens Park area has seen substantial housing development recently but still has poor local access to play facilities.
Feedback from local residents has been very positive and many parents cannot wait for the new play area to open.
We know that when we develop facilities close to toilets and cafes then parents are happy to visit for longer and that their children play for longer.
The proposed siting of the play area will permit parents to watch their children play, whilst enjoying light refreshments either from inside the pavilion or from the new patio area the council is proposing to build.
This could not happen if the area was located in the disused football pitch, as mentioned in your article.
We’ve worked extremely hard to improve facilities for all users of Queens Park over the last two years with a new downstairs cafe, downstairs toilets and baby changing facilities, improved signage, refurbished changing facilities and CCTV.
Bournemouth can be proud of having some of the best parks in the country.
CLLR ROD COOPER Cabinet member for economy, leisure and tourism, Bournemouth Council
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