Play Area Improvements Coming to St Andrews
Residents can expect to see improvements to local play areas in St Andrews in the coming months, following ongoing work between the Community Council and Fife Council.
Partial upgrades are planned for both Lade Braes and Glebe Road playparks, with work at Glebe Road expected to begin as early as May. The programme will see older or damaged equipment removed and replaced with modern, more inclusive facilities.
New swings at both sites will include a mix of basket swings, flat seats and toddler-friendly options, alongside improved grass-mat safety surfacing.
These improvements reflect priorities identified in the St Andrews Local Place Plan (LPP), where better play facilities for children and young people were highlighted as a key community need.
Alongside these works, Shoolbraids Play Area has now been confirmed by Fife Council as the top priority for future playpark investment in the town, despite currently having only limited equipment.
Early ideas include toddler, child and basket swings, an inclusive roundabout, a larger play unit for ages 3–10 years, as well as features such as an embankment slide, spring mobiles and a trim trail. Any redesign will take account of nearby homes, particularly regarding the height and layout of equipment.
This will require extensive fundraising from the local community; however, Fife Council has committed to working closely with residents to assist with identifying fundraising channels and, in due course, supporting the redesign.
At the same time, Balone Play Park has been identified for more modest improvements. It is considered well suited for toddler and junior play. Current maintenance works include replacing bark surfacing, removing old timber edging and undertaking general grounds maintenance. Existing equipment will continue to be monitored, with consideration given to additional seating and a picnic table to make the space more welcoming for families.
These projects follow continued engagement between Community Councillors and Council Officers, including site visits across the town to identify where investment is most needed. This collaborative approach is helping turn community priorities into visible improvements.
Get Involved – Help Shape Your Local Play Areas
Residents are strongly encouraged to get involved in shaping the next phase of improvements.
If you are interested in enhancing your local play areas – particularly in areas such as Shoolbraids and Balone – please consider forming small, local working groups.
Each group should nominate a spokesperson to contact the St Andrews Community Council via hello@rbstacc.org.uk. The Community Council can help co-ordinate discussions with Fife Council, including exploring potential funding opportunities and next steps.
This is a real opportunity for local communities to influence what happens in their neighbourhoods and help bring forward meaningful, family-friendly improvements.
Further updates will be shared as work progresses.
