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This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Nine projects to improve parks and play areas in Southampton will benefit from an £500,000 investment.

Council leaders signed off on allocating the six-figure sum to support a range of schemes, including the revamp of city centre skate park and play area.

The money became available after the local authority secured additional external funding to cover costs related to the major Outdoor Sports Centre redevelopment.

Cabinet member for environment and net zero Cllr John Savage said the additional money for parks and play areas would create greener, safer and more welcoming environments.

Cllr John Savage, cabinet member for environment and net zero. Picture: Southampton Labour

Cllr Savage said: “This investment supports our City Plan missions to build a greener Southampton, delivering real improvements, from new play equipment and skate park upgrades to biodiversity projects and tree planting, that promote health, wellbeing, and community pride while helping to reduce anti-social behaviour.”

CGI of the plans for Houndwell Park Play Area in Southampton city centre. Picture: SCC/KOMPAN

The allocation of £500,000 to deliver nine projects over the current and next financial year was formally approved at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, October 28.

Details on the schemes, some of which have already been completed, are as follows:

• The Venny (Northumberland Play Area), Bevois – Replacing play equipment and upgrading facilities to create a vibrant pocket park. Play area complete, new picnic tables and tree planting scheduled for near future.
• Woodmill Bay at Riverside Park, Bitterne Park – Re-landscaping to restore green space, prevent unauthorised vehicle access, and improve biodiversity, with additional seating for visitors, and improved road safety. Project working towards being programmed in.
• Riverside Park MUGA, Bitterne Park – Resurfacing and remarking the multi-use games area. Complete and open to the public.
• Hoglands skate park, Bargate – Delivering a bespoke, sustainable skate park design with LED lighting, reducing anti-social behaviour, maintenance costs and promoting active lifestyles. Planned for spring 2026.
• Green spaces in Millbrook and Redbridge – Securing areas like “12 Acres” and Green Park with wildflower bunding, removing redundant tennis courts, and creating safer neighbourhoods while enhancing biodiversity. 12 Acres bunding planned for near future. Green Park tennis court removal complete.
• Paignton Road open space (Millbrook) – Developing a new pocket park with sports and play facilities. Works planned for near future.
• Citywide tree planting – Planting around 200 trees to maximise biodiversity benefits, improve carbon capture, and tackle climate change. Work to be completed by spring 2026.
• Houndwell Park play area, Bargate – Upgrading play facilities to support children’s health and reduce maintenance pressures. Works to proceed in spring 2026.