High Croft play park in Kelso has officially opened following a £69,000 investment.
Features of the new play park
The new accessible for all play park includes multiple pieces of play equipment including basket swing, slides, sensory panels and other equipment suitable for all ages.
The new equipment provided at the play park has been selected from sustainable product lines, providing the opportunity to lower carbon emissions.
The products are made of natural building materials like Robinia wood from sustainable forestry with some items made from post-consumer recycled materials such as ocean waste, used textiles, food packaging waste, or used plastic bags.
SBC investment in play park facilities
The park has been largely funded through developer contributions totalling £59k with the remaining £10k coming from Scottish Government funding.
In 2022, a prioritised investment programme was agreed for the period 2022-2029 with play facility upgrades currently being developed in consultation with communities across a range of sites. This will see an investment of almost £5 million to enhance these facilities for current and future generations, providing meaningful play opportunities for all.
Since 2018, 10 other play parks have received investment in renewal, providing custom built play facilities at Harestanes, Galashiels, Kelso, Peebles, Hawick, Coldstream, Newtown St Boswells, Jedburgh, St Boswells and Gavinton.
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads Development & Maintenance:
“Investment in new play park facilities is always welcomed by the local communities’ concerned and I’m certain that this state-of-the-art facility will provide children and young people across Kelso with valuable opportunities to play and socialise.
“SBC has made a commitment to invest millions of pounds across our play park estate in the coming years to provide inclusive play opportunities for all young people across the Borders.”
Councillor David Parker, Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing:
“This five-figure investment reinforces our commitment to the health and wellbeing of children and young people in the local Kelso area. The new state-of-the-art play equipment will hopefully encourage more young folk to enjoy the outdoors with their friends.”