Bridge of Earn children benefit from Victory Park victory!
A £180,000 play park regeneration project in Bridge of Earn, Perthshire, has transformed outdoor recreation for local families, with significant support from multiple funders including a £7,000 contribution from the RWE Lochelbank Wind Farm Community Fund.
The Victory Park Development Group, established in 2021 by local parents, has spearheaded the ambitious project to address the deteriorating condition of Victory Park, which had become unsafe and frequently flooded.
The renovation has included raising the playpark above the surrounding ground, and installing new play equipment including an exciting zip line. The group worked closely with Perth and Kinross Council's Greenspaces team to ensure the design met community aspirations.
Bridge of Earn, a rapidly expanding community that has seen its population double in the past five years, has struggled with outdated recreational facilities that no longer meet the needs of its growing population of approximately 2,500 residents. The park's regeneration arrives at a time when the community continues to expand with further housing developments planned.
The RWE Lochelbank Wind Farm Community Fund's contribution of £7,000 has funded the installation of the zip wire, which was the new item most prioritised by residents. This support, alongside funding from other sources including the Council, the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, the Co-op and Avondale, has totally transformed the playpark. A new roundabout, seesaw, springer and swing will also benefit the youngest children.
A spokesperson from the Victory Park Development Group said,
This project will significantly enhance the quality of life for local residents. The new facilities will create a safe, inclusive space where children of all abilities can play and develop essential social skills, particularly important following the restrictions of recent years.
The project includes environmental considerations, with plans to incorporate new plantings and trees, while using local contractors and materials to minimise the carbon footprint. Perth and Kinross Council will maintain and insure the equipment, supporting its long-term sustainability.
With the local community's overwhelming support - including successful fundraising events - and backing from local businesses, schools, and scout groups, the project represents a significant step in providing recreational facilities for this growing Perthshire community.