Date published: 2026-08-12 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Keynsham Area, Leisure
Children and families in Keynsham are set to enjoy a fantastic new play area at the Memorial Park with works expected to begin in mid-September.
A final design has been agreed for the upper play area, which will be transformed with modern, safe equipment for children of all ages and abilities.
This includes the first bespoke climbing wall in Bath and North East Somerset that has been specifically designed for the park, where children will be able to climb sideways as well as upwards.
A large rope swing will create a social experience where children can swing and play as a group. An inclusive carousel with a wheelchair space will encourage children of all abilities to play side by side.
New play mounds, including a tunnel feature, will add opportunities for imaginative play, climbing and adventure.
The much-loved existing slide will remain with improved surfaces and pathways to make access cleaner, safer and easier.
The improvements being delivered by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Keynsham Town Council have been designed by landscape architects following public consultation. Specialist play provider Wicksteed will carry out the works, which are expected to take up to 12 weeks.
The project forms part of the ongoing investment in Keynsham Memorial Park and reflects the shared commitment of both councils to providing high-quality recreational facilities for residents.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Sustainable B&NES, said: “Our parks are wonderful spaces where children can play and communities can connect. The new play area at Keynsham Memorial Park is particularly exciting because it has been shaped by local feedback and will create a more inclusive place where children of all ages and abilities can have fun.
“We’re committed to investing in our parks and green spaces because they play an important role in improving physical and mental health. It’s been wonderful to see families enjoying the parks we’ve upgraded already and there’s much more to come.”
Councillor Andy Wait, Chair of Keynsham Town Council, said: “We are delighted to see this exciting project moving forward. Keynsham Memorial Park is one of the town's most popular and well-loved green spaces, enjoyed by families from across our community. We're especially pleased to see some new innovative designs which will excite our children, as well as some of the popular existing play equipment which will remain as part of the new design. Some of the new equipment will give even more youngsters the opportunity to play, explore and have fun together. We look forward to seeing families enjoy the new play area for many years to come.”
The new play area in Keynsham comes in addition to Bath & North East Somerset Council’s ongoing parks play equipment replacement programme across the district. Major refurbishments have already taken place at Loxton Drive, Calton Road, Burnt House Road and Weston Recreation Ground in Bath, as well as resurfacing at Sydney Gardens and upgrades at Royal Victoria Park.
Families can also look forward to play area improvements coming this autumn at:
- Vandyck Avenue, Keynsham
- Staddlestones Park, Midsomer Norton
- Woodborough Road, Radstock
- Corston View, Bath
- Pennyquick Park, Bath
- Lymore Gardens, Bath
- Moorlands Recreation Ground, Bath
ENDS