The main play area at Fiveways in Heelands Park is due to be redeveloped after the council agreed a programme of improvements aimed at making the site more modern, accessible and attractive for local families.
What is planned
Works will replace and add play equipment, upgrade surfacing and landscaping, and install new benches and picnic tables. Proposed features include trampolines and a double zipwire, intended to broaden the appeal of the area for children of different ages and abilities.
“Play areas are an important part of our communities, giving children opportunities to be active, make friends and enjoy the outdoors close to home,”
The quotation above is from Cllr Kerrie Bradburn, Cabinet Member for Environment, who said the council was pleased to work with Bradwell Parish Council and to use developer contributions to support the scheme.
Funding and partnership
The total project value is reported as £188,000. The scheme has secured a grant of £100,000 from the national FCC Community Action Fund. The remainder of the cost will be covered jointly by Bradwell Parish Council and Milton Keynes City Council, drawing on contributions from housing developers.
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| FCC Community Action Fund | £100,000 |
| Bradwell Parish Council | over £80,000 |
| City Council / developer contributions | remainder (part of joint funding) |
| Total | £188,000 |
"Bradwell Parish Council has been saving funds over recent years to invest in Heelands and considers the Parish Council's contribution of over £80,000 in the play area to be a worthy investment to benefit the communities of both Heelands and across the road, Bradwell Common,"
Leon Gilpin, Chair of Bradwell Parish Council, confirmed the parish has been setting money aside to support the scheme.
Timescales and wider context
Construction is expected to start later this year, with on-site work scheduled for early 2027. The project forms part of a wider council programme to rejuvenate play areas across Milton Keynes; the authority manages almost 400 play spaces in the city.
- New equipment will include trampolines and a double zipwire.
- Improvements will cover surfacing, landscaping and seating.
- Work is due to begin later in 2026 with construction in early 2027.
For local residents the planned upgrades are intended to provide a higher-quality outdoor space closer to home, encourage play and physical activity for children, and offer improved facilities for families meeting in the park. The council and parish say they will publish further details about timings and temporary closures once contractors are appointed.
