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Longwood Avenue, Waterlooville

The latest programme of play area refurbishments is now live and we want to hear your views on how we could improve Longwood Avenue play area in Waterlooville (PO8 8JN).

Subject to funding, Havant Borough Council plan to improve the provision at this site to ensure it meets the needs of our community.

To make sure the new design is shaped and influenced by the people who visit this play area, we want to hear from you on what should be included so that the play area is suitable, fun and long lasting.

We are asking for your initial views at this stage which we will then use to develop a plan for this play area and ask for your feedback on these proposals.

Scroll down to have your say!

Phases

Phases overview

Phase 1: Initial feedback

Initial feedback

Phase 2: Next steps

Next steps

Initial feedback

22 July 2026 23:00 - 12 August 2026 22:59

For the initial feedback phase, we want to hear all of your ideas for how Keats Close play area could be improved.

In particular, we'd love to hear your views on:

What equipment (such as swings, slides or climbing frames) would you like to see included in this play area?
What other provisions (such as seating, bins or landscaped greenery such as bushes, shrubs or grassed areas) should be considered for this refurbishment? What type of surface should the play area have (e.g. grass, wood chips, soft tarmac)?
What types of materials and colours would you like to see in this refurbishment? Would you like to see graphics on the flooring (e.g. hopscotch or other games) and if so, what should these include?
Why would these improvements be important to you?
Which other play areas do you visit and why?

Please note that your comments will be publicly available to view.

26 ideas

Ryland Bickley3 weeks ago We have a 3 year old daughter and are soon to have a son, it would be nice to have a section of the park for smaller children to play on such as a smaller slide and climbing equipment/play pirate ship or something along these lines as all the local parks seem to only cater for children a bit older with better mobility, not to say that isn't great too and of course it should cater to all ages and interests but a junior bit would be nice 👍

Mark Beetlestone3 weeks ago

Maureen Horn3 weeks ago Swings for babies and older childrenSoft surfaceslides for little ones and older childrenZip wire for older childrenHop scoth for children to learn numbersseating areas shrubs and trees for some shelter from the sunrope swingclimbing frames for younger and older childrenbicycle roundabout - same as Denmead parkarea to play basketballplay area for bat and balltrampolinebalancing equipmenti love the idea of physical equipment for adults too - same as at Jubilee park in Horndean. seating areas, tables and benches for eating enclosed gated park to keep dogs outsand pit

Sue Stewart3 weeks ago Modernise the existing children’s play equipment, as much of it is very old. Create separate areas for different age groups, including a dedicated area for older children and teenagers. Provide a level, safe multi-use games area for football, basketball and other sports, rather than children having to play football on uneven grass. Include a covered shelter specifically for teenagers to meet, sit and socialise. Provide round tables and comfortable, robust seating where groups of teenagers can sit together. Add facilities such as outdoor table tennis, basketball hoops and outdoor fitness equipment suitable for older children. Install good-quality lighting around the teenage area, shelter, seating and pathways to improve safety and make the park more welcoming during darker evenings. Add more benches and seating throughout the park for parents, grandparents, children and other residents. Consider a clearly defined and safely separated dog-walking area, so dogs and children can use the park comfortably. Improve and clearly define pathways and access routes around the park. Create a space that feels modern, attractive, safe and welcoming for teenagers, rather than teenagers having nowhere appropriate to go. Make sure the views of local teenagers themselves are taken into account when deciding what facilities they would actually use. Design the park as a community space for all ages, including toddlers, younger children, teenagers, families, dog walkers and older residents. Provide a safe place where teenagers can meet friends, socialise and spend time positively within their own community.

Olivia Beetlestone 3 weeks ago As this park is in a highly residential area, it really needs to cater for all ages.For younger children, there should be a secure, enclosed play area with traditional equipment such as baby and standard swings, slides, monkey bars and climbing frames. Accessibility should be a priority too. Jubilee Park is a great example, with its wheelchair-accessible benches, ramp onto the play equipment and good spacing between each piece of equipment. Colourful tarmac with games such as hopscotch would also be a great addition. I would avoid wood chips or sand as they can be messy and difficult for pushchairs and wheelchair users.A scooter and bike track would be something a bit different and would be a fantastic addition. There is so much interest in scooters and bikes now, yet very few parks have dedicated tracks. Plenty of benches nearby would also be needed for parents and carers.For older children, outdoor gym equipment would encourage exercise and give them something to do. It would also be worth including a seating area where teenagers can meet and socialise, but this should be positioned away from the younger children's play area so it doesn't feel intimidating for families.The park is already heavily used by dog walkers, so it makes sense to include something for them too. A secure enclosed dog exercise area would be a brilliant addition. While it doesn't need to be a huge space, having somewhere safe to let dogs off the lead would be a real asset, especially as similar facilities aren't available nearby. It would also encourage people to walk through the park and make use of the other facilities.A multi-use ball court is another feature that would appeal to a wide range of ages and interests, giving people somewhere to play football, basketball or other sports.Finally, I think the woodland should mainly be left for nature and wildlife. It would be lovely to have a small cleared area or a shaded picnic spot, but large secluded spaces can unfortunately become targets for vandalism. Protecting and enhancing the woodland for wildlife would make the park feel more natural and benefit the local environment while still allowing people to enjoy walking through it.

Geoff Bacon3 weeks ago Have two areas. One for dog walkers with seating and with some shelter and adequate bins for both rubbish and dog waste. The second area could be recommissioned current play area and add equipment for small children. The football goal could be relocated into the play area, meaning work is only required on one side of the park. Any equipment installed should be maintained. The current play areas were just left to become overgrown with weeds (example sand pit). This area should be fenced off with no dogs allowed. Adequate rubbish bins should be emptied 7 days a week. The play area should be covered by CCTV.

Nicola Kerley 2 weeks ago A safe enclosed area for a children's park with equipment to cover different ages to include swings, slide and climbing frames but with flooring that's not too hot or will be used by animals at night to mess in.Football and basketball area.Fitness equipment.Picnic benches and or seating areasDog walking areaFlower beds would be lovely but would need maintaining.Something to stop the motorbikes using it as a cut through.The big tree on the path to be trimmed back and general maintenance to keep it looking nice would help.We live right by the park so to see it used more would be fantastic.

Bradley Hall4 weeks ago Whatever is built it needs to be fenced off and durable. Slide, swings, basic stuff. Probably not sheltered as teens used to hang out on the climbing frames that were in the woodlands at night.Why fenced... I live within walking distance but I drive to jubilee or horndean due to the dogs at this park. There is always a large group of dog owners that meet up and let dogs off lead in this park. They dig holes, chew the equipment and enthusiastically charge around - dog stuff. But once a large dog charged towards my child when he was 2. Fortunately I picked him up just before he was knocked down. I don't walk him through this park now and I love dogs. Maybe the dogs could have an activity park away from the kids play area.

Chelsea Peters3 weeks ago

Vicki Harvey3 weeks ago Fenced off park area with a locking/shutting gate - so no escapees or dogs.slides need to be north facing so they do not get too hot.Areas for toddlers as well as bigger childrenSwings need to be at one end so children don’t run into them from other equipment etc.picnic tables & bench seats.bins that are emptied regularly.No sand (animals may use it as a toilet)chippings on the ground.Rubber matting flooring.

Helen Ayton3 weeks ago

Sinead Houston3 weeks ago Definitely think new football goals, basketball court, swings, slide more age appropriate equipment!The only things that are currently used is the football goal and basketball hoop. Everything else has been broken or trashed! So clearly are a waste of money! I definitely think positioning of the new equipment should be thoroughly thought out with residents who live next to the field. Me being one of those there is plenty of empty ground at the bottom that should be made more use of!! Keats close end.More regular bin emptying. grass cutting and regular maintenence!I think the park needs to be brought back to a play park and not a field for dog walkers, many children are too scared to go because of out of control dogs off leads. Certainly needs fencing in place. But also with a lot more preventative measures in place around the field to stop unwanted guesting getting onto the land! Definitely in favour for this project but needs to be throughly thought out!

Nic 3 weeks ago This park used to be amazing years ago and sadly it's been neglected more and more over the years.Suggestions would be a fenced off area for young children with usual play equipment, swings slides, climbing like at jubilee waterlooville / jubilee horndean. Make it bright and colourful, so bored of these miserable looking play areas. Kids need some happiness in their lives not more sage green and grey. A proper football area with 2 goals and basket ball hoops for all ages to use, There should also then be an open area for dogs, with benches for sitting on, provide an area for teens with canopy seats so they can sit and chill outside in all weathers too. Teenagers have so little in the area and get bored. A small skate ramp/bike track would be great too. The side by the woods should be utilised for play areas, football courts, with the side on the right as you walk in from Keats to be used for dogs etc. Better drainage, it's a swamp in the winter all around and can't be used by anyone.

Kim Wilkinson3 weeks ago

Jenny Edwards3 weeks ago Our family frequent this park and have done for 20+ years. Its very spacious & can serve a multitude of activities to suit many. There is a path running roughly down the middle. On one side you could have half as an enclosed dog play park area where people can give their dogs play and stimulation. The other part or the same side you could have a tennis court with netball and basket ball rings in . On the other side of the park the larger area it would be ideal to have a closed off traditional park. Old fashioned swings, slide roundabout climbing frame monkey bars. This would ensure a safe environment for small children who dont want to play in an area with dogs running by. The same side of the larger area would be lovely for a couple of benchs so adults can sit and watch their little ones in the play area. Also as there is room and hopefully enough budget .. an exercise park would be fab for the older children who are also needing something to do. Many teens are interested in fitness but cant afford the gym or are to young to go This park is surrounded by families and would be more useful as a multi activity place. Maybe we could allow a permit for a small food ice cream van or coffee hub.. and maybe you could ask residents in the area to fundraise for extra cash towards this? I would certainly be involved to help this park for our community.... We could hold a fete there first to promote local hand crafted businesses and profits from the charge of the stalls to be used to help fund the project??

Kelly Norton3 weeks ago Proposal for Improvements to Longwood ParkI would like to propose a redesign of Longwood Park to better meet the needs of the whole community by creating dedicated spaces for children, dog walkers, and sports users.1. Convert the Existing Football Goal Area into a Dog Walking Area Remove the existing football goal. Create a designated dog walking area, ideally enclosed with secure fencing so dogs can exercise safely off lead. Include waste bins and signage to encourage responsible dog ownership. 2. Create a Dedicated Play Area for Young ChildrenOn the opposite side of the park, create a fenced play area specifically for younger children. This could include: A slide. A small climbing wall or climbing frame. Swings. Soft safety surfacing. Seating for parents and carers. 3. Upgrade the Current Basketball CourtExpand the existing basketball area into a multi-use games area (MUGA) that can accommodate both: Basketball. Five-a-side football. This would provide a better recreational space for older children, teenagers, and adults while reducing conflicts with other park users.4. Create a Community Social SpaceWhere the current play equipment is located, develop an attractive area for young children and families with: New play equipment suitable for younger children. Benches placed throughout the park. Green spaces where residents can sit, relax, and socialise. BenefitsThese improvements would: Provide a safe, dedicated space for dog owners. Offer better play facilities for younger children. Improve sports facilities for older children and young people. Encourage community interaction by providing more seating and social spaces. Make better use of the park by creating clearly defined areas for different activities, reducing conflicts between users.

Betsy Carr3 weeks ago I'd love to see an area specifically for younger children, and older kids with motor skill issues. With easy ramps or steps to get up on, as well as ropes etc for those with more skills. Bridges that aren't too difficult to cross on the climbing frames.A road running around the whole playground would be great, with zebra crossings and traffic lights painted on. My boy loves running along things like that but would be good for scooters too. Picnic tables are always nice oh and sand area

Suzi Hobbs3 weeks ago For babies and toddlersFully enclosed toddler play area with self-closing gates.Soft, colourful rubber safety surface.Mini slide, swings (including a parent-and-child swing), climbing frame and playhouse.Sensory panels, musical instruments and activity boards.Ride-on spring animals.Low balance beams and stepping stones.Plenty of shaded seating nearby so parents can supervise comfortably.Main children's playgroundLarge climbing frame with different difficulty levels.Monkey bars.Climbing nets.Seesaw.Sand play or water play area if maintenance allows.Bright interactive flooringColourful rubber flooring with:HopscotchSnakes and LaddersNumber trailAlphabet trailRoad markings for scooters and bikesFootprints to jump betweenAnimal trailsMaze gamesTarget circles for gamesTeen areaRather than somewhere that looks like they're being pushed away, create a space they'll actually enjoy:Covered seating/shelter.Picnic benches.Outdoor table tennis table.Basketball hoop or half court.Small multi-use games area (football/basketball).Attractive planting and lighting so it feels welcoming rather than hidden.Outdoor fitness areaCross trainer.Exercise bike.Rowing machine.Pull-up bars.Parallel bars.Balance beam.Step-up platforms.Fitness trail around the park with distance markers.Nature and learningWildflower meadow.Butterfly-friendly planting.Bird boxes.Bug hotel.Fruit trees.AccessibilityWide accessible paths.Inclusive play equipment for children with disabilities.Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables.Seating and comfortMore benches throughout the park.Picnic tables.More litter bins, dog bins and recycling bins.Bike racks.SafetyFull fencing around children's play areas to keep dogs out.Good lighting along paths.CCTV if appropriate.Clear sightlines so parents can see across the park.Non-slip surfaces.Explore – toddler and children's play.Move – outdoor gym and fitness trail.Relax – picnic area, sensory space and teen social space.This should be a community space—for grandparents, toddlers and teenagers, adults exercising, and older residents wanting somewhere pleasant to sit. It all helps make the park a destination rather than just a playground.

Hayley Weltch3 weeks ago We are lucky to have this area just behind us but unfortunately our boys often complain of the un even grass and one of my sons has actually sprained his ankle due to a hole in the ground while playing football this makes them go further afield to find suitable area to play football. Having teenage boys and young grandchildren and a dog it would be lovely to have a caged astroterf area for football , a fenced off park area with swings slides etc and to have benches scattered , leaving kids and parents to be in a area free from dogs but still able to walk our dog on grassed area

Nina Tennant3 weeks ago This park is heavily used by dog owners as well as children so it would be ideal if there was a younger children’s area sectioned off (similar to jubilee park horndean). Plenty of seating around the entirety of the park, including extra walkways. One side of the park is incredibly boggy in the winter. Fencing around the park. Swings, slides, climbing frames, zip line etc. wooden style of jubilee park horndean is great as well as jubilee Waterlooville and Cowplain. I think the main thing is that it’s friendly for all ages (not just older children), so it doesn’t become a teen hotspot only and becomes more family friendly.

Donna Josiah3 weeks ago

Joe Southam-Gisby3 weeks ago I live in Hemsley Walk, around 50m from the park. With a 1 year old I would love a space to take him so he could enjoy the full range of what parks have to offer, but the current setup of longwood park isn’t suitable for someone so young. I would love to see some swings and a slide in this park suitable for toddlers, as well as it being in more of an enclosed space. The park and surrounding area is huge, with ample room for other activities (football, dog walking etc.). Having an enclosed space would allow children to be safe whilst they play. Some benches to watch them would also be really beneficial. I think soft tarmac would probably be the most comfortable surface for all of this to sit on, as bark may attract animals to use as a toilet.

Accessibility Matters4 weeks ago Hope you don't mind us messaging you as a group 'outside' your area.My name is Jemma, and I’m writing on behalf of Accessibility Matters (Nottingham) CIC. We are a community interest company focused on improving accessibility and inclusion within public spaces, particularly playgrounds and outdoor recreation at present.We have been undertaking research into how playground tenders and specifications are developed across local authorities, alongside engagement with playground suppliers, with the aim of identifying good practice and supporting more inclusive design from the outset.Through this work, we’ve identified some recurring challenges, including:Variations in how “accessible” and “inclusive” are defined and appliedEquipment being labelled as inclusive without delivering meaningful usability for disabled childrenGaps at specification stage which can limit inclusivity in final designsWe are currently engaging with local authorities who have upcoming playground projects, to share a set of practical definitions for accessibility and inclusion designed specifically for use in outdoor playground design, specification, and tender evaluation.Our approach has been developed to:- Translate inclusive play principles into clear, usable procurement criteria- Support consistent and defensible evaluation across bids- Ensure accessibility is embedded in design quality as well as complianceWe understand from engagement with Play England that accessibility and inclusion are key priorities within many current playground funding programmes, and are often reflected in their criteria and guidance frameworks. Our definitions are broadly supported for use by Play England in relation to outdoor playgrounds.This aligns closely with the direction of current sector practice, where commissioning teams are increasingly seeking clearer ways to evidence inclusion beyond minimum compliance requirements.Given your upcoming projects, we would be happy to share a short, practical set of definitions to use in your upcoming tender documents and future projects.We are also offering a pilot program for playgrounds in certain areas, which could help visitors and the public, it has the potential to be leading the way for councils to improve accessibility and inclusive development of areas. Pilot areas are decided based upon criteria; spaces are limited and by agreement only with us. We aim to have a maximum of 4 pilot areas, with two already agreed.Our Work is offered at no cost currently and without obligation—our aim is simply to support authorities in delivering higher-quality, more inclusive play environments in line with current expectations.If useful, we would be happy to send the details over or arrange a brief call to discuss it further.Many ThanksJemma2026 National Diversity Awards Nominee – Disability Role ModelAccessibility Matters (Nottingham) CICT:07512 213770

Joanna Davis4 weeks ago return of traditional play equipment (swings, slide, climbing frame) A multi purpose ball court soft rubber floor around play equipment a half-pipe for scooters a sheltered area to hide from rain showers or put rucksacks for rainy day play less dog poo a way of separating dogs walkers and children who want space to play (dog walkers currently stand chatting in the basketball area and don’t move for children to play)

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