Nature at heart of playground
Makeover transforms school site
A Stirling school playground has been given a new lease of life, thanks to the dedicated fundraising efforts of the school community.
The much-loved Nature Playground at Riverside Primary School has been given a makeover as a result of fundraising activities, grants, support from local businesses and investment by the school.
The school playground had fallen into disrepair through wear and tear and overuse during lockdown when it became a focal outdoor space where local families could meet and play. The benches and play equipment were no longer safe to use and the school decided to remove these elements after the Easter holidays.
But now the playground has a whole new look.
A vibrant, colourful mural by local artist Mia MacGregor of bright, bold flowers has transformed the back walls.
The children helped design the wall as part of a whole school project. There are new benches made from recycled plastic, and a fun wooden activity trail of stepping stones, balance ropes and bars has been installed. There is also a covered outdoor classroom providing vital learning opportunities.
Headteacher Michelle MacPhee said: “Our Nature Playground is such an important space for both our children and the local community, and the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors in nature are well known.
“We are delighted by the new look and are very grateful to our families and parent council for helping us find additional funds for it.
“The children love it and have been involved in the transformation. They helped design the mural and our school eco committee came up with the idea that we should replace the old benches with recycled plastic ones which will be more sustainable long-term.
“Our pupil council also sought input from the children on what type of play equipment they would like installed.”
Josephine Amos, chair of the parent council, said: “We are so grateful to the school community for their support in raising money to revitalise the playground – especially during these challenging times.
“Earlier in the year, we held a sponsored virtual fitness event. We encouraged people in our school community to take part in a 28-day step challenge to walk 2,000 steps each day which would be the total length of the Ochils over that month. It got people out and about during lockdown and helped raised almost £2,000 for the playground.
“In June we held a Smarties fundraiser and encouraged children to bring in coins that would fit in a Smarties tube which they had earned by doing good deeds at home. We were amazed by the generosity of our families.
“We have also been lucky enough to secure grant funding and to receive donations from local businesses.”
Both Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust and Stirling Council Community Grants Scheme have provided funds to enable the playground makeover. It has also been backed by the Waitrose Community Matters Scheme and Arnold Clark Community Fund, and the school has also financed the project.
We are delighted by the new look. The children love it and have been involved in the transformation