New £46k play park is opened in Fallside

Youngsters in Fallside are ready for lots of outdoor fun with the opening of a new community play area.
Councillor Bob Burrows cuts the ribbon to open the new play park in FallsideCouncillor Bob Burrows cuts the ribbon to open the new play park in Fallside
Councillor Bob Burrows cuts the ribbon to open the new play park in Fallside

Based within the grounds of the VIP Arts and Sports Academy on McCulloch Avenue the £46,000 play area was part of a larger scale project to improve the centre and outside space.

VIP worked tirelessly for over 18 months to secure a total of £48,836 from WREN’s FCC Scottish Action Fund, North Lanarkshire Council (via the Bellshill Local Area Partnership) and in kind project support from Culture NL and NL Properties.

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The new play area is free to access for all the community and includes flat and cradle swings, multi-activity units for toddlers and juniors, spinning poles, a stand up see saw, roundabout and many other fun features.

A new rubber safety surface with space graphics has been laid to brighten up the area, with equipment designed to appeal to children up to the age of 14.

In addition to the play facilities additional improvements to the centre include CCTV, fire safety systems and off road car parking.

Opening the new facility, Thorniewood councillor Bob Burrows, said: “The council, through Bellshill LAP, have worked closely with VIP and Culture NL Play Services to develop the facility and I would like to thank all involved for their hard work.

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“This new play area is a much needed addition to Fallside and one the local community can rightly be proud of. We’ve designed this to be inclusive and accessible to all and hope to see lots of families enjoying themselves over the coming months and years.”

A spokesperson for VIP added: “The hard work to secure external grants has really been worth it and this fantastic facility will make a real difference to children in our area.

“We are extremely grateful to North Lanarkshire Council, our elected members, WREN and Culture NL for providing funding and support to us.

“Finally, we would also like to thank the community for their continued support in helping us make this play area a reality.”