The transformation of Grangemouth’s historic Zetland Park is moving forward at pace with the completion of the heritage themed play park and the pump track.
The redevelopment of the play area with a life size replica of the Charlotte Dundas steamboat as its centre piece opened in April. The £353k fully inclusive play area is designed for users of all ages and abilities and includes a wheelchair swing, inclusive roundabout accessible boat and a sensory garden.
The construction of the £100k pump track was completed in May and can be used for all wheel sports including bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and skates and is suitable for beginners to expert riders. This project was supported by £50k of investment from sportscotland.
Councillor Robert Spears, spokesperson for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “It’s thrilling to see the much anticipated regeneration of Zetland Park taking place.
“The completion of the new inclusive play area and the pump track are just the first two projects to be completed as part of the parks regeneration project which will transform the parks facilities for the whole community.
“The new play zone is already proving very popular with families and young people and this corner of the park has really been brought to life. We would like to thank all the partners and funders who have helped make these projects a reality.”
Caroline Clark, Director Scotland of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Parks and greenspace have never been more important to local communities, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund is the UK’s leading investor in these important places. Thanks to National Lottery Players we are very pleased to have been able to support the extensive works at Zetland Park, a key element of the exciting revitalisation of Grangemouth, and the continuing regeneration of the Grangemouth-Falkirk corridor.
“This project addresses so many important issues in the regeneration of green spaces within our environment, including community-led involvement, the creation of new areas and features including the meadow land, restoration of facilities like the boating pond, and the renovation of the historic gates and fountain.
“The incorporation of a life-size replica of the Charlotte Dundas – the world’s first practical steamship and built at the now-gone shipyards at Grangemouth – is a clever use of historic heritage being highlighted in a modern context and keeps history and heritage alive for younger generations. The park regeneration overall is a wonderful example of breathing new life into existing facilities and creating something for everyone in the community to use and enjoy.”
Other projects to improve the parks landscape and facilities include:
- The repair and conservation of the parks war memorial gates and fountain
- Landscaping works at the war memorial and fountain including their illumination
- Biodiversity improvements including the planting of wildflower meadows and the naturalisation of the former boating pond
- Selected path upgrades
- The construction of a new performance space
- The regeneration of the parks rose garden as a community led project
The £2.24m parks regeneration project is being supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund whose total contribution now sits at £1.12m following a previous award of £928k in January 2020 and a further £192k announced in January 2021. Partnership funding to the investment being made by Falkirk Council has been secured from INEOS, BP, Play as One Scotland, Rotary Club of Grangemouth, Wooden Spoon, the Children’s Charity of Rugby, the Clothworker’s Foundation and community fundraising led by the Friends of Zetland Park. Grant offers have also been made by Avondale Environmental, part of the NPL Group, through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, FFC Communities Foundation and War Memorials Trust.