Article published on 8 October 2024
Background
Falkirk Council, in collaboration with Friends of Quarry Park and Proludic Limited, has successfully completed the Quarry Park refurbishment in the Brighton district. This ambitious project aimed to modernise and expand the park. Ultimately they succeeded in making it more inclusive and accessible for children of all ages and abilities.
Funding and Community Engagement
The revitalisation of Quarry Park was made possible through a partnership between Falkirk Council and Friends of Quarry Park. The development source funding from the Landfill Communities Fund and the Scottish Government’s Play Renewables initiative. To ensure the project aligned with local needs, the team consulted the community and local schools extensively. Therefore, the new design better reflected residents’ aspirations.
Quarry Park’s Inclusive Play Equipment
Proludic, a leading playground equipment provider, was entrusted with the park’s overhaul. The team removed old structures and installed new state-of-the-art, inclusive equipment.
Key features of Quarry Park now include:
- A pod swing (J441), inclusive roundabout (J2409) and an inclusive seesaw (J987) suitable for two wheelchairs. These make the area fully accessible to children with varying abilities.
- The community had requested a transport-themed play area. Proludic incorporated this with a maritime boat climbing frame and slide (J1956), along with a railway train (J2617) to enhance imaginative play.
- A new Roll Runner (J3510) offers a dynamic and engaging play experience, along with swings catering to both toddlers and older children.
Overcoming Challenges During the Quarry Park Refurbishment
The Proludic installation team faced several challenges, including removing old tarmac and fencing. They replaced outdated swings and climbing frames with cutting-edge, inclusive equipment, enhancing the park’s accessibility and overall appeal.
The park has now doubled in size, featuring a cableway zip slide. The modernised facilities have made a significant difference in the park’s appeal and accessibility.
Community Impact and Opening Ceremony
Quarry Park is now a shining example of how community-driven projects can improve local amenities. It is one of four parks in the district receiving investment from Falkirk Council to enhance children’s play facilities. The community celebrated the park’s grand reopening with an official ceremony led by Councillor Siobhan Paterson, accompanied by the Wallacestone Pipe Band. The addition of wheelchair-accessible features ensures that children of all abilities can enjoy the park.
The grand opening of the park was marked by a ceremony led by Councillor Siobhan Paterson, accompanied by music from the Wallacestone Pipe Band. The refurbishment has revitalised the park, which now boasts a wide range of modern play equipment, including wheelchair-accessible features, ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, can enjoy the park.
Roy and his (Proludic) team did a great job from award of tender to final handover of this project and kept us informed every step of the way, we had a few unforeseen issues during the install which Steven the project manager sorted for us very quickly, between site progress meetings Steven (Proludic’s Contract Manager) sent regular updates with pictures so we had a record of how our new play area was taking shape. The completed project has been very well received by the local community.
Mr Stewart Wallace
Area Estates Officer, Falkirk Council
Conclusion
The refurbishment of Quarry Park is a testament to what strong community collaboration can achieve. With £40,000 in funding secured by Friends of Quarry Park from the Landfill Communities Fund, this once outdated play area is now a vibrant, inclusive space for all to enjoy. Quarry Park now stands as a beacon of modern, accessible play, serving as a central hub for families in the Falkirk district.
Recent
Nature inspired Rushcliffe Country Park Play Area Renovation Revealed
Article published on 24 June 2024
Rushcliffe Country Park Play Area Reopens with Exciting New Features Rushcliffe Country Park’s play area in Ruddington, near Nottingham, has officially reopened after significant refurbishments. The upgrades include new accessible equipment from Proludic, designed to enhance the play experience for children of all abilities. New Features and Equipment The revitalised play area now features a...
Redrawing the boundaries with Proludic’s inclusive play arriving at Boundary Road Play Area
Article published on 16 January 2024
It’s been a chilly start to the year across the UK! But, that has not stopped the fun in West Bridgford, Nottingham thanks to the newly refurbished play facilities on Boundary Road Play Area! Rushcliffe Borough Council tasked Proludic to bring the popular play space back to life. Because the public playground had been well used...
