Poole Park is undergoing a series of improvements including new waterside gardens, additional trees, wildlife-friendly planting, sensory play features and upgraded accessibility. Work begins on 5 October 2026 and will also improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes between Whitecliff Gate and Middle Gate. Parking provision will remain unchanged while the project is carried out.
6th October 2026
Poole Park is set for a series of new improvements designed to make the popular green space more attractive, accessible and wildlife-friendly.
Work is scheduled to begin on 5 October 2026, with plans including new waterside planting, additional trees, improved paths and crossing points, and a wildlife-themed bench incorporating sensory play features.
The project will be delivered by BCP Council's Parks team and has been funded through an external grant.
One of the most visible changes will be the creation of new waterside gardens around the freshwater lake.
The planting will include a mix of species chosen to support pollinators and improve biodiversity while also providing colour throughout the year.
New trees will also be planted around the lake to create additional shade and strengthen the park's natural character.
The improvements form part of wider plans to build on Poole Park's existing Green Flag status.
Visitors will also see the addition of a new wildlife-themed bench featuring sensory play elements inspired by the area's natural environment.
The aim is to make the park more engaging for younger visitors while keeping the design connected to Poole Park's wildlife and landscape.
The feature will sit alongside other environmental improvements intended to make the park more welcoming for a wider range of visitors.
Accessibility is another key part of the project.
Plans include upgraded crossing points, shallower ramps and smoother surfacing to make moving around the park easier for people walking, wheeling or using mobility aids.
A significant part of the work will focus on the area between Whitecliff Gate and Middle Gate.
The section currently closed to through traffic will be resurfaced and turned into a more people-focused space, improving the experience for walkers and cyclists while creating more room for visitors to enjoy the park.
BCP Council has confirmed that the works will not reduce parking provision within Poole Park.
Visitors will continue to be able to access the park by car, public transport, bicycle and on foot.
The park itself will remain open and accessible while the improvements are carried out.
Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council's portfolio holder for parks, said the improvements were designed to create more opportunities for people to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors.
He said planting more trees, creating wildlife-friendly habitats and improving accessibility would strengthen the park's role as a natural community space.
Poole Park is already recognised with Green Flag status, an award celebrating well-managed parks and green spaces.
The new project is intended to build on that recognition while keeping the park's existing character at the heart of the work.
Poole Park has been part of the town for well over a century.
The park was created on land donated by Lord Wimborne and officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1890.
Today it remains one of Poole's best-known public green spaces, used for walking, recreation, family days out and access to the surrounding lakes and waterfront.
The latest improvements aim to ensure the park remains attractive and accessible while also creating more space for wildlife and nature.
Spanish
Chinese (simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Norwegian
Polish
Romanian
Russian