Muiravonside Country Park: People asked to vote on playpark plans

Voting is now open to choose one of three vibrant designs that will upgrade the ageing play area currently in Muiravonside Country Park.

Set in 170 acres of woodland and parkland beside the River Avon, the new play area will include equipment for children of all ages and abilities, whichever design is chosen.

It’s the final stage of community consultation since Falkirk Council announced its intention to refresh the park’s play area with the help of the Scottish Government’s Play Renewal Fund.

In a survey that opened in late 2022, the council began by asking people what equipment they would like to see and what age group it should cater for.

The answers told the council that the top five things wanted are: swings; a zip line; a climbing frame; a slide; and natural play equipment, such as boulders and logs.

Survey replies also suggested that nearly 87 per cent of people want the park to cater for toddlers; 96 per cent for children aged five to 12; and nearly 27 per cent for teenagers, aged 13-17.

The feedback was used by the council to create a design brief and three companies have now submitted plans packed with equipment.

The council says that the designs contain equipment that will mainly suit ages 0 – 12 years, although some of it will be suitable for teens.

People also overwhelmingly said the updated area should include benches and picnic tables, with 94 per cent agreeing.

As a result, all of the designs include three benches and three picnic tables.

In addition to the cash from the Scottish Government’s Play Renewal Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is being used to create an area suitable for neurodiverse children.

This follows a public vote in favour of using £60,000 from this fund to create a new sensory area in the play park. As a result, equipment to suit neurodiverse children – including those with ADHD, autism and Downs Syndrome – has been included in the design brief.

The latest survey is now open on Falkirk Council’s website where people can see the three final designs and vote for their favourite. Voting closes on November 22.