FAMILIES across Taunton are being told to expect “exciting improvements” at play parks across the town after plans for a £1.2 million upgrade of facilities was approved.

Yesterday (December 9), Taunton Town Council (TTC) agreed to award the project to contractor Kompan Limited.

Councillors agreed to fund the years-long upgrade project with an overall budget of up to £1.2m, drawing on both internal and external funding sources.

As well as money already set aside for improvements to parks, the figure includes a transfer of £150,000 of interest earned on invested funds to boost the Play Equipment reserve, the council said.

A bid to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund will also be submitted, as well as seeking a Section 106 developer contribution of £63,968.51 from the Coal Orchard development.

The refurbishment programme is expected to run for up to five years to create “safe, accessible, and engaging play spaces that support children’s development while encouraging outdoor activity and community use”.

TTC’s Play Parks Working Group will oversee the project, which will include public consultation, with recommendations brought forward to the Operations and Assets Committee as needed.

Councillor Nick O’Donnell, chair of the Operations and Assets Committee, said: “Our playparks are at the heart of our communities. This investment reflects our commitment to giving all children safe, inspiring places to play, and ensuring families across the community can enjoy high-quality outdoor spaces for years to come.

“When we were formed in April 2023, we inherited 12 playparks, many of which had not been updated for some time.

“Rather than upgrading equipment in a piecemeal way, we opted for a holistic approach, with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring our play areas are improved consistently and thoughtfully across the town for the benefit of the widest possible range of users.”

Work on the updated designs will begin in the coming months.

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