An official opening event took place on Thursday 12 December to mark the opening of the completely refurbished Newcastleton play park.
Community gathering to mark completion of work & reopening
The local community, including children from Newcastleton Primary School, local Councillors, Newcastleton Community Council, Newcastleton Community Trust and representatives from SBC, gathered to officially mark the occasion.
Features of the play park
The park itself features a bespoke play train as its centrepiece, the first of its kind in the UK. A variety of equipment to suit different ages and abilities have been included, such as climbing nets and wall, slides, triple bay swings, agility trail, wheelchair carousel, accessible play panels and many other items.
A variety of construction materials have been used including highly durable Robinia wood sourced from sustainable forestry, as well as products made from post-consumer recycled materials, such as ocean waste, used textiles and used plastic bags.
Community involvement
The Newcastleton Welfare Group donated two rainbow benches, made from recycled plastic. Two wheelchair accessible picnic tables have also been donated and will be installed in the Spring of 2025.
Local schoolchildren were asked to take part in a competition to name the train. The winning entry was submitted by Adam Cropper who unveiled ‘The Copshaw Express 2024’.
Play parks investment
Newcastleton is the latest play facility to have undergone a full refurbishment as part of the commitment to spending almost £5million to enhance play facilities and provide meaningful play opportunities for all children and young people.
This prioritised capital investment programme was agreed for the period 2022-2029 with play facility upgrades being planned in consultation with communities across a range of sites.
Since 2022, Scottish Borders Council has completed the renewal of play parks in 15 communities across the region, ranging from destination play parks and skate parks to local community facilities.
Last month the play park in the village of St Abbs also reopened following a full upgrade of its equipment.
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads and Public Space Development:
“I am delighted to see yet another play park facility, this time in Newcastleton, completed in 2024 as part of our programme of investment.
“We are absolutely committed to improving play facilities right across the Scottish Borders, in major towns and villages like Newcastleton, to ensure future generations of children and young people no matter their location have modern, local play facilities to them that can be used to enjoy the outdoors and socialise with their peers.
“This refurbished play park is a tremendous asset to the local area and will provide current and future generations of young people with a modern facility they can be proud of.”