Elmbridge proposes largest single‑year investment in play in years 

On 4 February, Elmbridge Cabinet will consider the Play Strategy Extension (2026 to 2029), a three‑year programme to upgrade and invest in play equipment in the borough, ensuring children and families benefit from enhanced play spaces across the borough.  

The updated strategy sets a clear, ambitious direction for maintaining and improving our play areas, while supporting outreach in the communities that need it most. As part of the 2026/2027 budget proposals being discussed at the same meeting, Cabinet will also consider a £4.5 million investment between 2026 and 2028 in play, including plans for new splashpads in Cobham and Molesey. 

Investing in eight play areas in 2026/2027 

A key element is a significant uplift in investment, with proposals to refurbish eight play areas in 2026/2027. This is the largest single year commitment in recent years. We want to ensure that all 36 council managed play areas, together with splash pads, skate parks, and similar facilities, such as basketball courts, MUGAs (Multi-Use Games Areas), bike jumps and green gyms calisthenics equipment are kept to a high standard for years to come. 

Planned improvements include: 

• Stoke D’Abernon recreation ground and memorial park
• Brooklands bike jumps, Weybridge
• Oatlands recreation ground, Weybridge
• Lynwood recreation ground, Hinchley Wood and Weston Green
• Thrupps Lane open space, Hersham
• Vaux Crescent, Hersham
• Cricket Way open space, Weybridge 

This follows recent upgrades at parks across the borough, including refurbished playgrounds, new splash pads, play equipment, surfacing and fitness installations at sites such as Claygate, Oatlands, Brooklands and Churchfields (Weybridge), Long Ditton, Hersham, Thamesmead (Walton) and Summer Road and Giggs Hill (Thames Ditton). 

The strategy also continues delivery of the Water Play Strategy, with new splashpad facilities planned for Molesey and Cobham, and maintains our commitment to both play areas and targeted community outreach. 

 Cllr Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy, said: 

Our play areas are treasured community assets. Extending the Play Strategy ensures continued investment at a crucial time, keeping them in the best possible condition ahead of the new authority. This is about safeguarding quality, supporting families and ensuring every child has access to safe, engaging places to play. The extension enables Elmbridge to maintain momentum in improving local play provision, supporting thriving communities while giving the new authority a strong foundation for future play and leisure priorities.

You can find more information in the Cabinet report.