Work to renew a children’s playpark in Athelstaneford began today (Monday, 23 February) following a funding award.
The transformation of the play area in the village park, which is owned and managed by East Lothian Council, is expected to take around four weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Contractors will install a range of challenging, exciting, and inclusive new play equipment for different ages and abilities. This includes a climbing frame with a rope bridge and slides, a cableway (flying fox), a wheelchair accessible roundabout, a ‘nest’ swing, and a bespoke Athelstaneford ‘village shop’ play panel.
The existing equipment, which has reached the end of its lifespan, will be removed by council staff.
It is hoped the work will be completed to allow the play area to open before Easter.
The playpark renewal – which has been spearheaded by the local community – received £39,825 in funding from the FCC Communities Foundation.
The Athelstaneford Community Group, who are leading the renewal project and working in partnership with the council’s Amenity Services team, was formed to bring forward initiatives such as the regeneration of the village park. Its volunteers raised funds to develop a community-led masterplan for the park and identified the renewal of the children’s play area as a priority.
Share their views
Councillor Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, said: “I’m very pleased this work is under way and the community will soon be able to benefit from a renewed facility.
“It was gratifying that youngsters from Athelstaneford Primary School and the local nursery were given an opportunity to share their views and help shape the playpark specification, and residents were also consulted over the proposals.”
Chris Brace, from Athelstaneford Community Group, said: “We are delighted to see the works starting to replace the children’s playpark as the first step in delivering the community’s vision for the village park.
“We are very grateful to East Lothian Council, FCC Communities Fund and Haddington & District Community Council for their crucial support in helping make the project happen.”
Inspiring space
FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that supports projects through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
Cheryl Raynor, FCC Communities Foundation Grant Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to support the transformation of Athelstaneford’s playpark and pleased that work is now under way. This project is a fantastic example of what communities can achieve when they come together, and we’re proud that our funding will help create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for children and families to enjoy for many years to come.”
Along with the funding from the FCC Communities Foundation, the project could not have proceeded without contributions from East Lothian Council’s Community Intervention Fund, Haddington & District Community Council, Caz’s Kiddies in the Country Nursery, and generous donations from members of the community.