A renewed play area in Dunbar’s Lauderdale Park, which takes its inspiration from local landmarks, opened on Wednesday, 5 March.
New play equipment has been installed under a design created following community consultation, including with local children and young people.
The exciting and inclusive space, which incorporates references to landmarks such as the John Muir Way, the Bass Rock and Dunbar Castle, has equipment suitable for a range of ages and abilities from toddlers to teenagers.
Older children and teens in particular will be able to enjoy a ‘Flying Fox’ cableway, climbing frame and rope bridge inspired by the nearby ‘The Bridge to Nowhere’. Along with the more challenging equipment aimed at this age group, they will benefit from new social seating to hang out.
There is also a range of inclusive play equipment, including a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, an inclusive seesaw, and a ‘nest’ swing, all located on rubber wetpour surfacing.
The cost of the renewal was just over £300,000 and was funded by a Scottish Government Play Parks Renewal Funding allocation to East Lothian Council.
Our most inclusive play area ever
The previous play area had reached the end of its lifespan and needed replacement.
The design for the renewal was prepared following input from local people through a public consultation. A total of 321 people responded to offer their feedback on what they wanted to see in the play area, including families of children with special needs, along with Dunbar Community Council.
Cllr Colin McGinn, the council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, said: “I’m delighted the renewed play area at Lauderdale Park has opened. We are very proud of the design and grateful to everyone who shared their views in the consultation process.
“This is our most inclusive play area ever, and I’m sure it will not only benefit Dunbar but the whole of East Lothian as a ‘must-go destination’ for many years to come.
“Further renewals through Scottish Government Play Parks Renewal external funding are now in progress for play areas in Prestonpans, Tranent and North Berwick, so look out for updates on those in due course.”