The money, awarded by WREN’s FCC Scottish Action Fund, will be used to buy a wide range of inclusive play equipment, including a wheelchair accessible roundabout, triple combination swing and sensory equipment for the existing play park within King’s Park, Stirling.
Stirling Council’s convenor for Environment and Housing, Cllr Jim Thomson, said: “This funding will make real changes and improvements to this park, helping local children and families enjoy the outdoors in an inclusive and enjoyable way.
“King’s Park is hugely popular across Stirling and further afield and is a treasured open green space right in the middle of the City. The changes this funding will make will only enhance that and we look forward to seeing the progress in the coming year.”
Vice convenor Danny Gibson said: “Access to play should be the same for all children and people so it’s great to see this funding come through to open up those doors.
“Stirling’s play parks and green spaces are a vital resource to the people who live here and we always welcome steps to take them to the next level.”
Dorothy Wilson of Friends of King’s Park, who worked closely with Stirling Council to secure the funding, believes the works will make a huge difference to the lives of families living in the area.
She said: “This project will provide a real boost to the children of Stirling and beyond. It’s fantastic that WREN has awarded Stirling Council this money and we’re really looking forward to our inclusive play park taking shape over the coming months.”
WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
Sophie Cade, WREN Grant Manager said: “WREN is always pleased to support community play projects; this development is particularly exciting given the positive impact it will have on so many families both who have, up until now, had limited access to inclusive play equipment.”
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Cllr Danny Gibson, Dorothy Wilson (Friends of King's Park) and Cllr Jim Thomson celebrate the announcement of funding approval for new accessible play equipment (0) -
Cllr Danny Gibson, Dorothy Wilson (Friends of King's Park) and Cllr Jim Thomson celebrate the announcement of funding approval for new accessible play equipment (1) -
Cllr Danny Gibson, Dorothy Wilson (Friends of King's Park) and Cllr Jim Thomson celebrate the announcement of funding approval for new accessible play equipment (2)
It is hoped the new equipment will be installed and ready for use by October 2019.
King’s Park in Stirling is well used by families from throughout the wider Stirling area and beyond, and this will be the area’s first play park with a wide range of inclusive play equipment, added to the existing equipment, where all children and families can play together.
Earlier this year King’s Park became Scotland’s first designated Dementia Friendly park.