The Orchard play park in Newstead has officially opened following a £76,000 investment.
What's included in the new park?
The new play park contains a range of play equipment including basket, flat and cradle swings, slides, mini-trampoline, carousels, seesaw, climbing nets, agility trail and other equipment suitable for all ages.
The new equipment has been selected from sustainable product lines, providing the opportunity to lower carbon emissions.
The products are made of a combination of natural building materials, such as Robinia wood, and post-consumer recycled materials which is derived from ocean waste, used textiles, food packaging waste or used plastic bags.
Funding for play parks across the Scottish Borders
The park has been funded as part of our Capital Programme for Play Areas and Community Outdoor Spaces, supported by Scottish Government funding.
The prioritised capital investment programme was agreed for the period 2022-2029 with play facility upgrades being planned in consultation with communities across a range of sites.
The programme will see an investment of almost £5 million to enhance these facilities for current and future generations, providing significant play opportunities for all.
Since 2018, twelve play parks have received investment in renewal, providing custom built play facilities at Harestanes, Galashiels, Kelso, Peebles, Hawick, Coldstream, Newtown St Boswells, Jedburgh, Duns, St Boswells, Gavinton and Selkirk.
Other play park upgrades currently underway or in the initial development process for 2024/25 are Sleepy Valley, Hawick; Woodstock Avenue, Galashiels; Windram Park, Chirnside; Public Park, Newcastleton; as well as the villages of Heiton, Roxburgh, St Abbs, Paxton and Broughton.
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads Development & Maintenance:
“It gives me great pleasure to see yet another play park facility being upgraded, this time in Newstead, with state-of-the-art modern play equipment installed for the children and young people of the local area to enjoy.
“This represents another significant investment in our play parks, helping benefit the health and wellbeing of our young people with many more facilities to be upgraded in the coming months and years.”
Councillor David Parker, Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing:
“By investing millions of pounds in play parks we are reinforcing our commitment to the children and young people of the Scottish Borders by providing improved play opportunities where socialising and enjoying the outdoors comes hand in hand.”