Work is set to begin on improving the play area at Alice Park in Bath ahead of the planting of a Trees of Hope Sycamore Gap tree sapling early next year.
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New play equipment and a new entrance are among the first phase of major improvements that will get under way on 7th July after £125,000 funding was secured by Alice Park Trust.
The works, being carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council, are expected to be completed by the end of the summer holidays and will include a roundabout, pick up sticks and rope trail swings.
The fence will also be moved to incorporate trees into the play area, providing shade and a suitable space for picnics.
The Sycamore Gap tree sapling will be planted in Alice Park on National Care Day 2026, on 21st February 2026.
The sapling has been named ‘Tree of Care’ by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Children in Care Team, and will celebrate the achievements as well as highlight the challenges children in care and care-experienced young people face.
Alice Park was named as one of the 49 recipients of a Tree of Hope in November 2024 by the National Trust.
The play area improvement works are expected to run from 7th July to 24th August, and will mean some of the play area will be restricted while the works are carried out.
Alice Park was given to the young people of Bath in 1937 for children to play in and is a well-used destination park. B&NES Council is the sole trustee of the park, which is managed by the Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee under delegation of the Charitable Trust Board.
Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy council leader and cabinet member for sustainable B&NES, said: “It’s fantastic that children in Bath will soon be benefitting from exciting new equipment in Alice Park and better access to the play area.
“With the trees being included in the park’s footprint too, it’s going to be a more inviting place where young people can have fun, explore their creativity and socialise.
“Apologies for any inconvenience while the improvements are carried out.”
Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, added: “It’s wonderful news that our children in care are represented by the Sycamore Gap sapling, which has been named the Tree of Care.
“The tree will become a lasting reminder of community, optimism, and how we continue our commitment to care for our looked-after children.”
Councillor Joanna Wright, Chair of the Alice Park Trust, said: “Over many years the Alice Park Committee has been working hard to ensure that new play facilities in Alice Park were put in place, as we recognise that the present facilities are very limited.
“On completion of this first phase, the play area still needs additional work to be delivered to improve the whole of the play area.
“Further funds still need to be raised and any contribution that you can make to help us raise £250,000 will be gratefully received.
“To make a donation for the Alice Park Play Area, please go to: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/donate-alice-park-play-project”
The £125,000 of funding is made up of £75,000 from the Bath Community Infrastructure Levy, £25,000 from the Medlock Trust and £25,000 from Roper Rhodes.
