To the tune of £15k
More fun as community council heed calls
Three Stirling parks are getting £15,000 worth of new equipment this month to improve play areas for pre- school children.
Bridge of Allan Community Council responded to a complaint from a local mum, who felt there was a lack of outdoor facilities for toddlers.
Secretary Ailsa McLeod began a project to apply for grants and funding from various sources in order to purchase equipment to upgrade the area’s three main parks.
And a questionnaire was distributed to local parents, asking for feedback on the type of equipment needed.
The park at Westerlea Drive now has a new sandpit and play equipment, with the Orchard Road and Fountain Road parks due to be upgraded by the end of this month.
New equipment will include trampettes, a climbing frame and slide combo, and a roundabout. And some of the ground surface in Fountain Road will also be improved.
The community council accrued £15,000 in total from the Common Good Fund, the Community Grant Scheme, the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust, the Cala Homes Fund and the Stewart Milne Ruby Project.
Mum- of- t h ree Kat y Whitelaw, 35, who made the complaint to the council, explained: “My family moved here four years ago, when my eldest son Corrie was two.
“We went to Fountain Road park and I noticed it was totally inadequate.
“My daughter Skye is now three, and while her sixyear-old brother can now get around on the play equipment, it’s too big for her.
“The new provision will mean Skye and her little brother, who is now nine months old, can play safely.
“I am really chuffed at what has been achieved - and it just goes to show that sometimes all you need to do is speak up and ask for what’s needed. Don’t leave it to someone else.”
Laura McLachlan, treasurer of Bridge of Allan Parent and Toddler Group, said: “Everyone is just delighted.
“The park that’s finished has been really well used and we’re all excited for the new equipment that’s coming.
“Our kids have desperately wanted to enjoy the parks, but were likely to get stuck or injured on the equipment for bigger kids.
“It’s just lovely to have a community council which listens to what the community needs and takes action.”
Bridge of Allan Community Council is planning a Family Fun Day at Fountain Road park on June 19, to celebrate the installation of the new equipment.