Investment in city play areas to continue with £470,000 programme for 2018/19

30 April 2018

A £470,000 programme of playpark refurbishments will be rolled out in the year ahead to build on the £1.2million invested in improvements by Aberdeen City Council over the past 12-months.

More than 20 individual play areas benefited from enhancements in 2017/18 in communities throughout the city.

Today (April 30) councillors on the Strategic Commissioning Committee agreed to the 2018/19 plans and a budget of £470,000.

The list of sites has to be finalised, with between 10 and 15 projects anticipated. These are likely to include Balgownie Drive, Ferryhill Community Centre, Gallowgate, Ashwood Park, Cruickshank Crescent, Broaddykes Way, Rosemount Square, Wellside Wynd, Seaton Gardens South, Eric Hendrie Park, Seaton Avenue South, Regent Walk, Middle Brae and Sheddocksley Community Centre.

Cllr Jenny Laing, Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader and Convener of the Strategic Commissioning Committee, said: “The playpark improvement programme was a key commitment in the 2017/18 budget and it has been fantastic to see the work being carried out across Aberdeen.

“We value the role play has in the lives of children and investment in facilities is vital if our ambitions for young people in Aberdeen are to be realised – we want everyone to have the chance to fulfil their potential, and the best start in life is part of that.

“Thriving and well-used playparks also help create a community focal point and foster a sense of pride in the area they serve, so the benefits are felt by all.

“This year’s investment will bring the total to in excess of £1.6m over two years and the spending demonstrates Aberdeen City Council’s priorities in helping young people and communities to flourish.”

The 2017/18 programme is scheduled for completion by the end of May, with the roll-out continuing throughout 2018/19 following today’s committee decision.