Please help with returning the public piano in poole

Description

The removal of the public piano from the Dolphin Centre in March 2025 quietly stripped away a beloved feature that brought comfort, creativity, and connection to countless people. Shoppers, passers-by, children, the elderly, and especially those facing mental health struggles who all found joy in that simple, shared experience. It wasn’t just an instrument it was a reminder that art, humanity, and kindness still exist and still belong in our public spaces.

Since the piano’s removal reportedly due to an isolated incident of vandalism (though I’ve found no evidence to confirm this) the atmosphere has changed. If true, this decision has punished the entire community for the actions of one individual. Rather than consult the public or explore protective measures, the Management at the Dolphin Centre chose silence. And if that silence continues, we don’t just lose music we lose a vital space for wellbeing, self expression, and social connection.

I first contacted centre management in April 2025 and received only this brief reply:

“Thank you for your email.
Simple answer is that the piano is broken and possible might not be repairable.”

I believe this is unlikely for such a robust instrument though not impossible, I further extended a solution and offered to donate a replacement piano at my own expense. Since then, despite several follow ups, I’ve received no response. Due to the prolonged silence from management regarding this matter, unfortunately the piano I had offered has now been rehomed, and I'll have to look else where for a donation if this offer were to be accepted. However It's important to note that the Poole public piano has changed a few times over the years since it's inception from a varnished light wood finish to it's most recent style which had a gloss dark black/brown finish, this highlights the fact that the Dolphin centre management have replaced the piano at least once since its introduction and therefore have the ability and decision making power to do so again.

In a world increasingly divided and isolated, accessible creativity matters more than ever. With support from the local community, artists, volunteers, and mental health advocates, the piano could return stronger and better protected. It’s time for the Dolphin Centre to live up to its own commitments to inclusion, mental health, and community wellbeing.

Now is the time to act so please sign today.

We, the undersigned, call on the Dolphin Centre to:

Reinstate the public piano in a central, accessible location
Collaborate with local artists, volunteers, and mental health advocates to safeguard and care for it
Commit to keeping public spaces creative, inclusive, and community led.
Let’s bring the music and the spirit of social and creative connection back to the Dolphin Centre, for all to enjoy.

Sign the petition to help reinstate the piano and bring back joy, wellbeing, and human connection to this ever increasing dull space.

Ad ID: 1502456388