Scottish government invests in refurbishing play parks

Play parks across Scotland will be modernised and restored through £5m of funding, following an agreement between the Scottish government and Cosla.

Each local authority will receive a share of the funding to improve the standard of existing play parks, enhancing play opportunities for children and young people.

The funding announcement is the first round of the Scottish government’s total planned investment of £60m for play park renovation over this parliamentary term.

Minister for children, Clare Haughey, said: ‘We know that play is an absolutely crucial part of children’s health and well-being and as we continue to recover from the pandemic, playing outside will allow children to reconnect with each other and allow them to return to enjoying their childhood.

‘Our overall investment of £60 million will ensure that all children across Scotland have access to quality play in their own community and helps to deliver on children’s right to play, enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

‘We will continue to listen to children and young people throughout this process to ensure our funding is spent on play spaces that work for all.’

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out that every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.

Play parks have an important role in child development, providing learning opportunities, improving health and wellbeing through exercise, and providing a safe environment to explore.

In related news, all urban green spaces, including roadside verges, play a key role in biodiversity and public health, according to a new study, published in Science Advances.

Photo by Power Lai