New equipment and community fundraising move play park improvements forward

New play equipment at Glebe Road and Lade Braes marks the latest progress in the Community Council’s work with Fife Council and residents to improve St Andrews’ play parks.

At Glebe Road, older swings at the upper end of the park have been removed. New equipment at the lower end includes an inclusive swing, toddler swings and a trim trail offering opportunities for balancing and climbing.

At Lade Braes, opposite Little Carron Gardens, new swings include provision for older children and an inclusive swing. Equipment that had reached the end of its life has been removed, and the cleared area will be reseeded.

There is also an opportunity for Lade Braes residents to help shape what comes next. Fife Council has £10,000 available towards new trim trail equipment, which could be installed in the currently empty spot where the old wooden climbing frames were removed.  This does however, need a local group to work together to fundraise.

Meanwhile, residents of Shoolbraids and surrounding roads have formed a Trust to raise funds for their play park. The project is expected to cost around £100,000, including £30,000 from Fife Council. Residents have already raised more than £2,000 towards the total.

These developments follow sustained work by Community Councillors Marion, Neil and Carol alongside Fife Council’s Parks Development Officer, Iain Wilson. We thank Iain for his enthusiasm and support, and wish him well in his forthcoming retirement.

Interested in helping at Lade Braes? Contact the Community Council at hello@rbstacc.org.uk. We can help bring residents together and connect a local group with Fife Council to explore the next steps.