Eight Douglas play areas are set for major upgrades under new council proposals, starting with Westmoreland Road playground.

As part of Douglas Council's ambitious five-year ‘Play Area Action Plan’, its regeneration and community committee has outlined proposals to deliver safer, more inclusive, welcoming and better-maintained spaces for children, families and the wider community.

The proposals cover eight sites across the capital: Westmoreland Road, Governor’s Hill, Centenary Gardens, Cooil Road/Ballavagher, Reayrt y Sheear, Pulrose, Anagh Coar and Noble’s Park.

It follows extensive public consultation earlier this year, which has helped shape a feasibility study and a proposed programme of improvements.

Westmoreland Road playground has been selected as the first site to undergo redevelopment and the next steps will involve the development of detailed project briefs, budget estimates and timescales for each location.

Alongside a refreshed children’s play area, residents highlighted the importance of creating a more welcoming and attractive community space. Suggestions included improved seating and social areas, enhanced landscaping and greenery, an upgraded Multi-Use Games Area, outdoor games facilities and the potential introduction of a scooter pump track.

The proposed first phase of work at Westmoreland Road will be funded through contributions from the Play Area Plant Renewal Fund, alongside a £23,000 commuted sum from the former Nurse’s Home development. Work could begin in May 2027.

Chair of the authority’s regeneration and community committee, Councillor Natalie Byron-Teare said: ‘This plan is about making sure every child in Douglas can enjoy access to safe, high-quality play facilities, wherever they live.

‘Our playgrounds are an important part of community life and investing in them is an investment in the health, happiness and wellbeing of our residents.

‘As custodians of these important community assets, we are incredibly proud of our parks and green spaces across the capital.

‘This latest plan builds on a detailed audit of our facilities, looking at their current condition and expected lifespan and will help us continue to create safe, inclusive and well-maintained spaces where children can play, families can spend time together and communities can thrive.’