Background
Falkirk Council, in collaboration with Friends of Quarry Park and Proludic Limited, has successfully refurbished the Quarry Park play area in the Brighton district. This ambitious project aimed to modernise and expand the park, making it more inclusive and accessible for children of all ages and abilities.
Funding and Community Engagement
The revitalisation of Quarry Park was made possible through a partnership between Falkirk Council and Friends of Quarry Park. Funding was sourced from the Landfill Communities Fund and the Scottish Government’s Play Renewables initiative. To ensure the project aligned with local needs, the community and local schools were extensively consulted, ensuring the new design reflected residents’ aspirations.
Car springer and Trawler Multiplay Unit at Quarry Park, Falkirk
Inclusive Seesaw at Quarry Park, Falkirk
Quarry Park’s Inclusive Play Equipment
Proludic, a leading playground equipment provider, was entrusted with the park’s overhaul. The old structures were removed, and state-of-the-art, inclusive equipment was installed.
Key features of Quarry Park now include:
A pod swing (J441), inclusive roundabout (J2409) and an inclusive seesaw (J987) suitable for two wheelchairs, making the area fully accessible to children with varying abilities.
The community had requested a transport-themed play area, which Proludic incorporated with a maritime boat climbing frame and slide (J1956), along with a railway train (J2617) to enhance imaginative play.
A new Roll Runner (J3510) was installed, offering a dynamic and engaging play experience, along with swings catering to both toddlers and older children.
Overcoming Challenges During the Quarry Park Transformation
The Proludic installation team faced several challenges, including removing old tarmac and fencing. Outdated swings and climbing frames were replaced with cutting-edge, inclusive equipment, enhancing the park’s accessibility and overall appeal.
The park has now doubled in size, featuring a cableway zip slide, and the modernised facilities have made a significant difference in the park’s appeal and accessibility.
Quarry Park, Falkirk
Community Impact and Opening Ceremony
Quarry Park is now a shining example of how community-driven projects can improve local amenities. It is one of four parks in the district receiving investment from Falkirk Council to enhance children’s play facilities. The park’s grand reopening was celebrated with an official ceremony led by Councillor Siobhan Paterson, accompanied by the Wallacestone Pipe Band. The addition of wheelchair-accessible features ensures that children of all abilities can enjoy the park.
The grand opening of the park was marked by a ceremony led by Councillor Siobhan Paterson, accompanied by music from the Wallacestone Pipe Band. The refurbishment has revitalised the park, which now boasts a wide range of modern play equipment, including wheelchair-accessible features, ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, can enjoy the park.
Roy and his (Proludic) team did a great job from award of tender to final handover of this project and kept us informed every step of the way, we had a few unforeseen issues during the install which Steven the project manager sorted for us very quickly, between site progress meetings Steven (Proludic’s Contract Manager) sent regular updates with pictures so we had a record of how our new play area was taking shape. The completed project has been very well received by the local community.
Mr Stewart Wallace
Area Estates Officer, Falkirk Council
Conclusion
The refurbishment of Quarry Park is a testament to what can be achieved through strong community collaboration. With £40,000 in funding secured by Friends of Quarry Park from the Landfill Communities Fund, this once outdated play area has been transformed into a vibrant, inclusive space for all to enjoy. Quarry Park now stands as a beacon of modern, accessible play, serving as a central hub for families in the Falkirk district.
For more information on Quarry Park Refurbishment: A Community-Driven Transformation talk to Proludic Ltd