New Â£50,000 play area opens

Pupils try out the new play equipment at Netherton Primary

The project was delivered by North Lanarkshire Council in partnership with CultureNL and offically opened by Education convener Councillor Frank McNally, supported by staff, parents and pupils from the school

The new developments include an outdoor classroom and learning area, a stage for budding performers, a natural play space featuring tunnels, mounds, sand play and a striking rope climbing structure, a storytelling zone, cycling proficiency areas and additional playground graphics.

The outdoor space has been developed to appeal to all ages and abilities within the school and has helped to transform the open space following on from the school extension completed last year.

Cutting the ribbon to officially open the site, Councillor McNally said: “This is a fantastic development which has been driven by the school throughout and the results are wonderful.

“The new features have brought underutilised spaces back into use and are already enhancing the daily lives of children within the school.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all involved in the development of the school grounds and hope the children enjoy many years of play and outdoor learning.”

The new facility has been fully funded by North Lanarkshire Council Education and Youth Employment Service.

Head teacher Anita Baskerville said: “I can say, wholeheartedly, that this project has made the children’s dreams come alive.

“The plans were more than what we could have imagined, with Tareas for physical activity and areas for creativity.

“Children can enjoy quiet spaces to share a book while others whizz around imaginative playground graphics on scooters.

Our existing fruit trees have been relocated and add to the ambience of the story area and some new trim trail equipment including mounds and a tunnel encourage imaginative play.

The ‘Scramble Zone’ sees new games and challenges being invented on a daily basis while the sand underneath has added play value far beyond our expectation.

“Team building is going on in a natural way throughout play experiences and, to top it all off, the materials used are stunning.”