Pupils from Dunbar Primary School were the special guests for the official opening of a renewed play area in the town’s Lauderdale Park.
A group of 20 youngsters were in attendance for the launch on Monday (31 March) and enjoyed trying out the upgraded equipment.
The play area, which takes its inspiration from local landmarks, has been welcoming children and young people for the last three weeks and has proved hugely popular.
Councillor Colin McGinn, the council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, joined the pupils to mark the opening.
He said: “I’m delighted the play area has been such an immediate success, and I’ve already received some great feedback. My grandson has been along and given his verdict. He loved it!
“I’m sure it will be a popular attraction for people across East Lothian for years to come.”
New play equipment has been installed under a design created following community consultation, including with local children and young people.
Inclusive play equipment
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.
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.
Further renewals through Scottish Government Play Parks Renewal external funding are now in progress for play areas in Prestonpans, Tranent and North Berwick.