A new play area has been created at the south western corner of Bruntsfield Links adjoining Muriel Spark Walk.
Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links (FOMBL) identified the need for more play equipment for younger children between two and six years old more than five years ago. The group has now realised the ambition with the new addition of two new pieces – a wooden loghouse and train for children to enjoy.
Neil Roger is project manager for the community group and he set about organising the installation of new play equipment at the existing three playgrounds. In total five pieces of play equipment are now in situ.
Mr Roger said: “I realised that there was a lack of play equipment serving families who live around the South area of the Links and, after consultation with local families’ I raised sufficient funds to install two simple pieces of wooden equipment in the form of a covered log house and a wooden train on a special safety mat.
“The site chosen was considered ideal as it is a completely fenced area with one access gate thus minimising dog entry and toddler escape! There is also a FoMBL wildflower meadow which we hope can be used by the children to plant their own bulbs and seeds.
“At present the seeded soil around the play area is taped off but soon we hope to provide wood chip access paths to prevent damage to seeded soil as well as muddy feet.”
Mr Roger is pleased with the way the playground has turned out. He said that he “thinks it meets the needs of younger children and families”. Although children have already been playing on it there is still some work to do by the council’s parks team.
Funds for the new play area were provided by a generous donation by nearby Forbes Nursery, the CEC community fund, The Scottish Government and from FoMBL.
The contractor was Landcare Solutions and organisation by Alan Grevers of the council.
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