Play Area Improvements

Over £500,000 of upgrades to play areas across Dundee could be in place to encourage local families get out and get active in the early summer.

Plans have been informed by neighbourhood feedback as well as play surveys and proposals are designed to provide more inclusive equipment.

A number of facilities would be improved across city communities if councillors approve reports at a meeting on Monday February 17.

For a total tender cost of £137,500, proposals for  Pitairlie Park Play Area would see new landmark play items installed, with a particular focus on inclusive play as well as tree planting to enhance the park.

A £145,000 tender is being put forward for the Longhaugh Road Play Area, with new play items, more inclusive play equipment, new seating areas and tree planting planned to enhance the park.

Meanwhile, £231,000 of improvements are being proposed for other city playparks including:

• Fairbairn Street Play Area - two new inclusive “springies”, new sensory panels, linemarking trail
• Kinpurnie Place Play Area - new climbing unit with associated safety surfacing, and sensory panels
• Moncur Crescent Play Area - new wheelchair inclusive roundabout with associated safety surfacing, agility trail, communication panel
• Lawton Road Play Area - new agility trail and sensory panels
• Rosebank Street Play Area - new agility trail, and sensory panels
• Lochee Park Play Area - new double cableway, agility trail, communication panel and sheltered seating area

All areas would also see the enhancement of existing equipment. If approved, work would start on all the areas in March, with completion expected in June.

The Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Commitee will also consider a sourcing strategy for the procurement of play equipment for Longhaugh Road, Pitairlie Road, as well as for Baxter Park. Councillors will be told that the method suggested to supply the equipment would save approximately 20%.

Committee convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “These are tremendous plans to encourage families get outside and be active across our communities.

“This will have real benefits for both physical and mental health. “The provision of inclusive play equipment is a crucial component of these proposals.

“The council listened carefully to what people in these areas had to say and the tenders reflect this local feedback.”