Children and families in Wishaw are celebrating the official opening of the newly revamped King George V play area. The facility, situated near University Hospital Wishaw, is now double the size of the previous park and offers a diverse range of play equipment for local children. Pupils from Berryhill and St Thomas’s Primary Schools actively participated in designing the new park and were present at the celebration. Thirty children had the chance to test the new equipment and received goody bags from Kompan, the installation contractor.
The opening ceremony was led by Orlaith Ross, a student from St Thomas’s Primary School and winner of the park’s design-a-sign competition. North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy officially inaugurated the play area, acknowledging the community’s involvement in the design process. Geraldine Woods, the council’s Convener of Communities, and councillor Nathan Wilson also attended the event.
Developed by the Community Partnership Team in consultation with local schools and residents, the new play area features various amenities. Highlights include a castle-themed climbing unit, a toddler climbing unit, an accessible roundabout and trampoline, a wide range of swings including a basket swing, and a popular cableway. The addition of new benches provides comfortable seating for families visiting the park. Funded by £160,000 from the Local Development Programme, the project represents a significant investment in the area.
The local community expressed delight at the enhanced play area, which promises to bring joy to children and families for years to come. The involvement of young people in the design process is seen as a testament to creating inclusive and engaging spaces for all to enjoy.
In conclusion, the newly opened King George V play area in Wishaw has been warmly received by the community, offering an array of exciting play equipment for children. The collaborative efforts of schools, residents, and local authorities in designing the park showcase a commitment to creating engaging and inclusive recreational spaces. Such initiatives not only contribute to the wellbeing of local communities but also foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents.