Douglas Council has announced a major five-year investment plan to improve play areas across the capital, ensuring safer, more inclusive, and better-maintained facilities for children and families.
The Play Area Action Plan, approved by the Council’s Regeneration and Community Committee, includes scheduled refurbishments, equipment replacements, and a new financial model for maintenance.
This announcement follows criticism of the park in Governors Hill which has been criticised by parents and MHKs.
Key proposals involve establishing a dedicated maintenance fund from 2026/27, creating a £7,500 annual renewal fund per play area, and integrating play spaces into future housing developments.
Safe
Committee Chair Councillor Natalie Byron-Teare said, “This plan is about ensuring that every child in Douglas has access to safe, high-quality play facilities, no matter where they live.”
She added: “Playgrounds are vital to the community and this is a long-term investment in the wellbeing of our community.
“As custodians of Douglas, we are very proud of both our parks and green spaces in the capital and this is reflected in the fact we recently retained green flags at nine sites, including at Noble’s Park which is home to five of the 15 play areas we manage.”
Final funding approval will be decided during the 2026/27 budget process.
6 Comments