Grangemouth residents have overwhelmingly backed plans put forward to improve Zetland Park.
84% of respondents to a public consultation on the future of the park indicated they supported or strongly supported a £2.3m outline masterplan put forward by Falkirk Council.
The plan outlines many improvements to the park including:
- A new inclusive themed play area and wheeled sports track;
- A new performance area;
- Repair and conservation works to the park’s fountain, its illumination and improvements to the hard landscaping;
- The relocation and construction of a new toilet block and kiosk;
- Biodiversity improvements within the park including the creation of a natural pond on the site for the former boating pond and the sowing of wildflower meadows;
- Path improvements;
- Repair and refurbishment of the war memorial gates and railings, illumination of the war memorial and improvements to the hard landscaping Refurbishment of gateways and railings along with landscaping around the fountain.
A funding bid to help deliver the project is currently being developed with a grant application is expected to be made to the National Lottery Heritage Fund in August 2019. This will be supplemented by additional funding from local industry, businesses, community groups, grants and crowd funding which has been launched to fund a wheelchair swing and inclusive roundabout for the proposed new play area.
Nearly 700 responses were received to the consultation including replies from local schools, community groups, organisations and individuals.
Councillor Robert Spears, spokesperson for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “Zetland Park is a great asset for Grangemouth and the vision put forward in our masterplan will ensure it will continue to be enjoyed by local residents and visitors for many years to come.
“It’s important that the community continues to support and get behind this bid as, if it is successful, it will transform this well-loved place.”
Details of the crowdfunding project can be found on the mypark website.