New play area draws families in to Grangemouth park for fun in the sun

The play area, constructed by KOMPAN, features a striking recreation of the Charlotte Dundas paddle steamer, which is based on the world’s first practical steamboat designed by William Symington and built in Grangemouth in 1801.

The amazing structure is just one part of the park’s new all inclusive Destination Play Facility – which in turn is just one piece of an ongoing massive multi-million pound regeneration project at the popular open space.

From the war memorial, to the historic fountain and the paddling pond, there is so much history in the park.

While the memorial itself was refurbished relatively recently, the area surrounding it is in poor condition so it is going to be upgraded – and illuminated – to allow disabled people better access to the memorial.

Everyone’s favourite eyesore, the paddling pond, will be transformed into a natural looking – albeit man made – water feature similar to the pond at the town’s Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre.

And the historic fountain – the only surviving remnant from the original park – will be restored to its former glory, with a replica of the mysterious missing lady sculpture returned to the top tier where it once was.

The ambitious regeneration project is seeking to not only preserve and promote the history of the park, but also to create new features like the play area and the new pump track – now under construction – which will be able to be enjoyed by cyclists and inline skaters and could be used by by both clubs and individuals for fun or in competitions.

A new permanent stage will be used for the annual crowning ceremony on, Grangemouth Children’s Day, of course, but it will also be able to be used all year round for official and unofficial performances and displays.

It is hoped the main capital works will be finished by September or October this year – and this includes the upgrading of the park’s pathways.

Zetland Park Regeneration Project