Renovation work gets underway on Figgate Park’s 30-year-old play area

The Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust have partnered up with Friends of Figgate Park to bring new life to a 30-year-old play area that first opened in 1992.

The six-week joint venture to develop the play area at Figgate Park got underway this week with works expected to be finished by mid July.

The renovation projects comes after a two-month consultation period that generated over 1000 responses form the local community, highlighting what residents would like to see included in the popular green space.

Now, after securing nearly £170,000 in funding from the FCC Communities Fund and the City of Edinburgh Council, the first stage of removing the old play area has been completed and locals can look forward to the exciting transformation when it is unveiled next month.

The play park first built in 1992 has now been removed to make way for the exciting new development.

New equipment for infants and toddlers will include a new swing set with a seat and cradle as well as the creation of a modern play unit.

For pre-schoolers, the development project will provide a range of exciting apparatus, including a viper swing, a climbing unit, a buddy board and a swing basket.

Other attractions to become available in the coming weeks include a Rolli trampoline and an inclusive roundabout for wheelchairs users.

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The project, overseen by The Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT), hope the move to improve the green space will serve as a catalyst for future activities in the park after the council previously issued a play value score of less than “good” due to the age and condition of the play area.

One member from the Friends of Figgate Park said: “The old play park was very limited and definitely past its sell-by-date.

“The newly upgraded play park will be so much more interesting, with lots of exciting new equipment to explore and enjoy.

“Safe, soft surfaces underfoot will be reassuring for parents who will appreciate the seating facilities within the enclosure.”

They added: “The wheelchair friendly and all-age adapted equipment will allow children with disabilities to be included in the fun.”

ELGT Chief Executive, Charlie Cumming, said: “I am delighted we will be able to upgrade the play area at Figgate Park thanks to funding from FCC Communities Fund and the City of Edinburgh Council.

He added: “The improvements will help meet the needs of the local children now and for future generations and will encourage greater use of the park for local families.”

Culture and Communities convener, Val Walker, said: “It’s wonderful news that work is starting to make these improvements to Figgate Park – and I’m sure it’s going to become one of the Capital’s most exciting play spaces.”

“Play facilities for local children were arguably lacking and out of date before, but with all these new additions, the park will be a great space for all the family to play and have fun.

“We have a first-class range of parks across the Capital, and we want to help communities make the most of these excellent open spaces.”

Cllr Walker added: “My thanks to the team at Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust – and I very much look forward to seeing the finished park.”