Home   News   Article

Massive cash boost for Aberdeenshire's play parks


By David Porter

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

Over £3 million in funding is being allocated to Aberdeenshire Council to ensure children have access to high quality play areas as a result of new investment.

Aberdeenshire Counil is set to receive a massive funding boost to help with north-east playparks. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Aberdeenshire Counil is set to receive a massive funding boost to help with north-east playparks. ..Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

The Scottish Government and COSLA have agreed £50 million in funding to local authorities over the next three years for the refurbishment of children’s play parks.

Play parks identified for refurbishment by local authorities are expected to be revamped thanks to the additional funding.

Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said:“Playing outdoors has huge benefits for children’s physical and mental wellbeing, and play parks ensure children can access high quality safe environments free of charge as families grapple with the cost of living crisis.

“This funding will support local communities to take forward their plans to improve play parks for children in their area.”

As set out in the 2021 Programme for Government, the Scottish Government will invest £60 million over the course of this Parliament to renew public, free-to-access play parks.

The Scottish Government provided £5 million towards this commitment in 2021 followed by a further £5 million available to local authorities in 2022 of which Aberdeenshire received £296,000 and £308,000.

The additional £50 million of funds will be allocated over three years on the following basis:

2023-24 - £10 million; 2024-25 - £15 million; 2025-26 - £25 million which will see Aberdeenshire Council receive £616,000, £924,000 and £1,539,000 respectively.

A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council said: “We very much welcome this continued investment from the Scottish Government to support the refurbishment and upgrade of children’s play parks across Aberdeenshire.

"In addition to the council’s own inspection regime which plays an important role in identifying where improvements are needed, community involvement and engagement will also be key to highlighting those facilities which require attention to ensure they are suitable for children of all ages and abilities in the years to come.”

Children and young people will also have more opportunities to play outside under new planning reforms.

Under the policy, local authorities will be encouraged to support planning applications for the development of play spaces, parks and sports facilities.

New regulations are also being introduced to require local authorities to assess the adequacy of play spaces and consult local children and communities.

This will ensure councils are better informed when making future provision for play in their local development plans.

Planning Minister Tom Arthur said:“Children and young people of all ages need more opportunities to spend time outdoors playing safely.

“Much clearer and stronger policy together with these new requirements will give more children and young people opportunities to spend time outdoors, supporting their wellbeing and fulfilling the Scottish Government’s commitment to incorporate children’s rights into law and practice."

Incorporating children’s rights into law brings into effect part of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019.

The new Fourth National Planning Framework includes a new policy on play, recreation and sport to help create more opportunities for children and young people through planned development and in greenspaces.

It also supports development proposals that protect and improve access to play and recreation within local communities.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More