Councillors in Dundee have signed off on doling out a combined £1.5 million to improve Dundee's parks and play areas to encourage locals to make the most of their green spaces.
Elected members approved plans for £750,000 of improvements in parks including Dudhope Park, Riverside Nature Park, Lochee High Street, Reres Park, Magdalen Green, Baxter Park, Caird Park and the Law. Some of the planned works include improvements to paths, new plantings, outdoor furniture and new signs.
Elsewhere, the council has also agreed to spend another £750,000 on improvements to Dundee's play areas - with much of the cash going towards the installation of accessible play equipment that is suitable for children regardless of their disability. The proposals were signed off at a meeting of the council's policy and resources committee on Monday.
Among the play improvements touted are a £400,000 gift to the city's ongoing play area renewal scheme, £200,000 for accessible play equipment at Castle Green in Broughty Ferry and another £150,000 for accessible play areas and general improvements for parks in the East End of the city and Finlathen.
Councillor Heather Anderson, the council's newly elected neighbourhood services convener, said: “Our parks and outdoor spaces are vitally important and much loved spaces and we are committed to ensuring they are well maintained. This additional spend will further help to do that and support people to make the most of their own neighbourhoods while getting the many benefits from getting outside.
"As a council, our ongoing programme will ensure we continue to make the necessary improvements to our parks and greenspaces. This extra funding will help us contribute towards our goals and delivering the high standards we all expect from our outdoor areas.”
Cllr Nadia El-Nakla, her depute, added: "Play parks are at the heart of communities and during Covid-19 became places of sanctuary. Our current play audit is identifying and putting in place a number of inclusive play items at locations around the city.
“This additional support will help greatly in achieving our ambitions. We have listened to our communities and want to bring the positive change needed to make playing at the park accessible for all.”
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