£1 million overhaul revealed for Renfrewshire play parks

Eleven Renfrewshire play parks are to be completely renewed with brand-new equipment by the end of the summer, with investment of almost £1million.

The first phase of the plans have been unveiled and will see 11 play parks completely renewed with brand-new equipment by the end of the summer and a new outdoor gym introduced in Robertson Park.

The twelve areas include Kilbarchan Park, Sandyflats and Ellerslie Street in Johnstone, Tinto Square and Robertson Park in Renfrew, Lochwinnoch Park, Barwood Park in Erskine and Maxwelton Park, East End Park, Durrockstock Park, Morar Drive and Bew Lawers Park in Paisley.

Local communities, including schools, community groups and elected members, were asked for what they thought should be included in their area and this feedback shaped the plans for each play park – with communities helping to drive the projects in Kilbarchan, Sandyflats, Lochwinnoch, Maxwelton and Barwood.

Play parks will receive a selection of exciting and inclusive equipment, which could include basket swings, tower climbing frames, spacenets, wheelchair-accessible roundabouts, an inclusive orbit roundabout, a scramble net, new zip slides or a hexagonal swing, with the equipment chosen for each park based its layout, capacity and community feedback.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We recognise how important our parks and play areas are to local families and young people which is why we’re making this significant investment.

“In total, 17 play parks will be completely renewed with fresh equipment this year, Robertson Park will get a brand-new outdoor gym and five play parks will be refurbished to improve what’s already there.

“It’s going to make a huge difference to the play opportunities for young people and I can’t wait to see the first phase of this investment complete by the end of the summer.”

The projects have been funded from Renfrewshire Council’s Parks Capital Investment Fund, the Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund, the Scottish Government’s Play Area Renewal Fund, community fundraising, and the Renfrew Local Partnership has supported the creation of an outdoor gym in Robertson Park.

The second phase of the investment will see Campbell Street in Renfrew, Crags Road in Paisley, Elm Drive/Sycamore Avenue in Johnstone, Ardgryffe Park in Houston, Churchill Drive in Bishopton and Park Mains in Erskine overhauled based on the feedback received from community engagement in these are, and tenders are planned to be issued for these play parks in the summer.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Depute Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said “As an administration we have listened to our local communities across Renfrewshire by ensuring our significant play park investment reflects their needs and provides modern, exciting play provision.”

“Now more than ever, we know how important it is to invest in modern creative free play for children across our communities.”

Other play parks in Renfrewshire are set to be refurbished this year, including Dunvegan Avenue in Elderslie, Howwood Toddler Park, Houston Public Park, Moss Road Park in Bridge of Weir and Inchinnan Playing Fields, to ensure that as many play areas as possible are upgraded.

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