Boating pond ship shape

A Rosyth landmark has been given a new lease of life thanks to a community group’s efforts.

A much-loved but neglected Rosyth landmark has been buoyed by a complete makeover.

In a further improvement to Rosyth Public Park, the boating pond has been given a comprehensive overhaul by the Take a Pride in Rosyth group.

Paths around the pond have been resurfaced and coping stones have been replaced.

Two sides of the pond have been planted and a wooden walkway with a viewing area has been constructed over the water.

Rosyth boating pond opened in June 1938 as a paddling pool.

In later years, paddling pools came under threat because of water purity regulations.

Fortunately Rosyth Model Boat Club continued to use the pool and, rather than close it down, it was redesignated as a boating pond.

Children from King’s Road, Park Road, St John’s and Camdean primaries watched while it was officially reopened by Lynn Hoey, the former locality support team leader, and Nick Benge of Watergems who designed the project.

Nick said: “The pond has been planted with lots of native wetland plants such as flag iris, pond sedge and purple loosestrife which will provide colour over the summer months.

“They will also attract wildlife and I would expect that mallard ducks and moorhen might use the pond and there should also be dragonflies, damselflies and frog tadpoles.”

Take a Pride in Rosyth group chairwoman Dorothy Wright thanked Fife Council and the Muir Dean Trust for their financial support, and added: “This is the latest in a number of projects which the group have undertaken to give a new lease of life to the public park.

“The boating pond – or paddling pool as it is still referred to by some – is held in great affection by older residents and we hope the refurbishment of the pond will provide similar memories for future generations.”

The model boat club members use the boating pond regularly during the summer and chairman John Ives said that they were very happy with the work carried out.

Take a Pride in Rosyth was set up in 2011 to improve the park.

Major work undertaken since then includes building a skatepark, providing a Multi Use Games Area and adult gym.

Local councillor Mike Shirkie said: “This is the latest in a long line of community projects in the public park they have succeeded with.

“Our public park now caters for young and old alike and I would like to think this will be a family friendly venue for our people for years to come.”

I would expect that mallard ducks and moorhen might use the pond and there should also be dragonflies, damselflies and frog tadpoles. DESIGNER NICK BENGE

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Front, from left: organiser Martin Rogers, Councillor Mike Shirkie, Lynn Hoey, Nick Benge, Dorothy Wright and Marilyn King, from the community council, cutting the ribbon.