A brand new playpark in Bo’ness has proven popular with children and families over the summer holidays.

The new community facility at Kinneil Estate comes after the completion of a £200,000 investment to transform the site.

The new playpark, which celebrates the area’s heritage through a Roman-inspired theme linked to the nearby Antonine Wall, has been designed to provide a fun, inclusive and accessible space for youngsters of all ages and abilities.

This is the third Roman theme playpark in the Falkirk Council area, with others in Tamfourhill and Callendar Park.

From left, Councillor David Aitchison, Councillor Ann Ritchie, Councillor Paul Garner, Ian Shearer and Jane Hurst (Friends of Kinneil), Stewart Wallace (Falkirk Council)(Pic: Falkirk Council)

placeholder image — From left, Councillor David Aitchison, Councillor Ann Ritchie, Councillor Paul Garner, Ian Shearer and Jane Hurst (Friends of Kinneil), Stewart Wallace (Falkirk Council)(Pic: Falkirk Council)

The new play area helps to directly meet the recently approved Kinneil Estate Masterplan’s aim to increase visits sustainably by attracting more visitors through improving facilities.

Packed with opportunities for adventure and imaginative play, the new facility includes climbing equipment, swings, slides and accessible play features, alongside sensory elements designed to create an enjoyable experience for all children.

New seating and picnic areas have also been installed.

One of the more unique features of the project is the restoration of the much-loved vintage rocking horse, which has been retained within the new design and will continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

The vintage rocking horse, which has been a firm favourite at the Kinneil Estate park for many years, has been included in the new playpark. (Pic: Falkirk Council)

An extensive community consultation helped shape the play park with residents, schools and community groups invited to share their views on what they wanted from the new facility.

Their feedback helped to inform the final design. More than 360 votes were cast to select the preferred option.

The project was supported by funding from the Scottish Government's Play Renewal Fund, which aims to improve play opportunities for children and young people across Scotland.

Councillor Paul Garner, depute leader of Falkirk Council, said: “This fantastic new playpark gives children and families a high-quality space to play, explore and spend time together in one of Falkirk's most popular destinations.

"What makes this project particularly special is that local people helped shape it from the beginning. The community told us they wanted a playpark that was inclusive, accessible and reflected the character of Kinneil Estate, and that's exactly what has been delivered.

"The Roman theme creates a unique connection to the area's history, while the wide range of equipment means children of different ages and abilities can enjoy the space together.”

Since 2021, Falkirk Council has upgraded or renewed 38 playparks across the area through the Scottish Government's Play Park Renewal Fund at a cost of £1.67 million, helping ensure children and families have access to high-quality play spaces within their local communities.