Dear all,

As a local resident and parent in Caldecotte, I am deeply concerned about the state of our children’s parks. These spaces, which should be safe havens for play, health, and happiness, have become tired, outdated, and in some cases unsafe.

I understand that council funding is limited, but some things in life cannot be measured in money. The wellbeing, health, happiness, and development of children must always come first. Everything we do for them now is a positive investment in the future. Children only get one childhood—let’s make sure it’s filled with safe, happy, and inspiring places to play.

Rather than continuing to repair and repaint ageing equipment, it would be far more beneficial in the long term to replace some of it entirely—particularly where space constraints prevent adding new features. Modern play structures are often compact yet multifunctional, offering richer play opportunities while making better use of limited space.

Take the Dinosaur Park off Caldecotte Lane as an example. At present, it offers only a swing and a slide, leaving very little to inspire children’s imagination or encourage active play. Similarly, at the Monellan Grove play area, the removal of the slide from the timber hut has left the space underwhelming. Instead of patchwork fixes, a full upgrade could transform these parks into vibrant, engaging spaces for children of all ages.

There are also opportunities to make better use of nearby protected green spaces—for example, by incorporating natural play features or educational, historically themed elements. This would preserve the natural character of the area while creating exciting, stimulating environments for children to explore.

Free outdoor play spaces like these are invaluable to local communities, especially for young families. They provide more than entertainment: they support physical health, mental wellbeing, creativity, and social interaction. Yet the current state of Caldecotte’s parks is a missed opportunity.

As a resident, I’ve noticed with concern that much of the existing equipment is dated, scruffy, or even unsafe, with rust and damage visible in several areas. Despite this, the parks remain well-used by families who value them greatly. Imagine the difference if they were upgraded—safer, more inclusive, and more engaging. Such improvements would not only benefit children but also strengthen our sense of community, encourage outdoor activity, and promote healthier lifestyles.

We call on Milton Keynes Council to prioritise funding and building new play areas in Caldecotte. Options could include installing modern, safe play equipment, adding soft-ground surfaces, and creating inclusive play features for children of all abilities. Working in partnership with residents and community groups, a sustainable, phased plan could be developed to ensure these parks meet the needs of families now and for years to come.

Our children are our future. Let’s invest in them by giving them the safe, inspiring, and welcoming play spaces they deserve. Upgrading our parks is not a luxury, but a necessity for giving children the safe and inspiring environments they deserve

👉 Sign this petition if you support upgrading Caldecotte’s children’s parks and creating safer, more attractive play environments for our community.