Play time in local parks just got better thanks to a significant investment of over £566k in upgrades to the area’s playparks.
A further four playparks were completed in 2023/24 as part of a major investment to provide new and improved play facilities for children of all ages and abilities.
All four have new, bright, exciting and inclusive equipment for all ages and abilities thanks to a rolling programme of upgrades which took place in 2023/24.
The upgrades, costing £274k have been completed at:
- Laurie Park, £110k
- Laurieston Public Park, £100k
- California Park, £30k
- Anderson Park (Bonnybridge), £34k
An additional £82k has also been spent on new equipment in other playparks with a new cradle swing and hexagonal swings at Callander Park, a replacement slide in South Alloa and a multi-unit at Wallacestone. Installation of this new equipment is planned in the coming year.
And new play facilities at Muiravonside Country Park costing £210k will be complete in Summer 2024.
In Brightons, the Laurie Park (also know as Quarry Park) the swings and climbing frame have been replaced with a wide range of new equipment and now boasts a wheelchair accessible roundabout, inclusive seesaw, cradle swings and a boat themed multi-play unit. The playpark has also doubled in size with the addition of a flying fox zip slide. The Council worked closely with Friends of Quarry Park who secured funding of £40k from the Landfill Communities Fund via EB Scotland. A group of pupils from Wallacestone primary school were also involved from the outset feeding in what they’d like to see in the new playpark and will be involved in further developments at the park.
Pictured:Councillor Garner and Councillor Paterson visit the new play park with representatives from Friends of Quarry Park, Council officers and Proludic.
Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s Depute Leader said: “Improving our playparks in an investment in children and young people’s wellbeing and in our local communities.
“With well over half a million invested in playparks in 2023/24 across the area, we’re not just improving play areas but helping enrich childhood experiences, promoting inclusivity and fostering strong links with communities.
“This ongoing commitment, helped along by partnerships with local groups and supported by funding initiatives like the Government’s Play Renewal Fund, underscores our dedication to providing safe, vibrant spaces where children of all abilities can thrive.
“As we look ahead, with a further £1.4m committed for playpark upgrades, we're not just building better playgrounds; we're nurturing healthier, happier communities."
Pictured: Pupils from Wallacestone Primary school give the thumbs up to the new play equipment.
The Council has had a rolling programme of playpark upgrading funded both by itself, using developer contributions and working in partnership with local community groups. This has been significantly ramped up since 2021 using money from the Scottish Government’s Play Renewal Fund.
Over the next two years a further £1.4m will be invested into playpark upgrades across the Falkirk Council area with upcoming projects planned at Kinneil Estate, Bantaskin, Gray Buchanan Park, Hollandbush Park, Limerigg, Dawson Park and Wallcestone Park.