‘State-of-the-art’ £76k upgrade at play park
The cash injection is part of almost £5m for parks across the region
THE latest play park to receive “state-of-the-art” equipment in the Borders has opened.
Works at the Orchard play area in Newstead are part of a major council programme.
It involves investment of almost £5 million into play parks across the region from 2022 to 2029.
The Newstead facility opened this week following a £76,000 cash injection.
Mid Berwickshire councillor John Greenwell, executive member for roads development & maintenance, said: “It gives me great pleasure to see yet another play park facility being upgraded, this time in Newstead, with state-ofthe-art modern play equipment installed for the children and young people of the local area to enjoy.
“This represents another significant investment in our play parks, helping benefit the health and wellbeing of our young people with many more facilities to be upgraded in the coming months and years.”
Leaderdale and Melrose councillor David Parker, executive member for health & wellbeing, added: “By investing millions of pounds in play parks we are reinforcing our commitment to the children and young people of the Scottish Borders by providing improved play opportunities where socialising and enjoying the outdoors comes hand in hand.”
The new play park contains a range of play equipment selected from sustainable product lines.
They are made of a combination of natural and post-consumer recycled materials which is derived from ocean waste, used textiles, food packaging waste or used plastic bags.
Scottish Borders Council’s capital programme for play areas and community outdoor spaces is sup
ported by Scottish Government funding.
Since 2018, facilities at Harestanes, Galashiels, Kelso, Peebles, Hawick, Coldstream, Newtown St Boswells, Jedburgh, Duns, St Boswells, Gavinton and Selkirk have been boosted under the scheme.
Other play park upgrades currently under way or in the initial development process for 2024/25 are Sleepy Valley, Hawick; Woodstock Avenue, Galashiels; Windram Park, Chirnside; Public Park, Newcastleton; as well as the villages of Heiton, Roxburgh, St Abbs, Paxton and Broughton.