Work to upgrade the play area at Bridge of Earn's Victory Park has been completed, thanks to partnership working between the local community and Perth and Kinross Council.
Brand new play equipment has been installed at the park including a cableway, inclusive roundabout, multi-play unit, see-saw, springer, and an inclusive basket swing.
The play area has been raised above the surrounding ground as the park is low lying and has a history of flooding, and in addition to the play equipment spring bulbs, wildflowers and a number of new trees have been planted.
The Council's Community Greenspace Team worked closely with the local community and the Victory Park Development Group to develop the design and plans for the play area.
The Victory Park Development Group raised significant funds for the project, generating over £80,000 through community efforts and applying for external funding grants. Their work meant the project could include additional equipment, including the cableway, which was the most requested item during a consultation process.
Money was secured from the RWE Lochelbank Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, Co-op, Avondale, the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund and Foundation Scotland. The Council supported the project through our own budgets, the Community Investment Fund and the Community Environment Challenge Fund, with additional money coming from the Scottish Government.
The park is community owned and leased from the Trustees of Victory Park.
Provost Xander McDade visited Victory Park to officially open the new play park area.
He said: "The transformation of the Victory Park play area is a perfect example of what can be achieved by our communities, working in close partnership with Council.
"Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Victory Park Development Group, supported by our Community Greenspace staff, local children now have a vibrant, modern play area that will be enjoyed for years to come. I want to congratulate every member of the Bridge of Earn community who has helped to take this ambitious project to completion."
Chair of the Victory Park Development Group, Myra McShannon-Kefford, added: "We are a group of mums who were focussed on getting the park improved for all children in the village. The Council's Community Greenspace Team worked really well with us on the consultation and the design of the new play area.
"We are totally delighted to see Bridge of Earn kids starting to enjoy playing on the new equipment. The support from funding agencies with grants, our local councillors, the community and the local businesses has been fantastic.
"I'd like to thank the other members of VPDG - huge recognition to Lianne White who has been a superstar on securing grant funding and also Kirsty Johnson and Kathryn Bailey."
The Bridge of Earn project forms part of the Council's ongoing programme of play area improvements that aim to provide fun, stimulating places to play for children right across Perth and Kinross.