Playtime will soon be back on the curriculum at a former Borders school site with work to start on a new £285k ‘destination’ playpark.

When pupils left the old Earlston Primary School in South Croft Park in February last year the buildings were demolished.

Children moved into a new £16m-plus community campus close by.

Next week work is to start on the site of the former primary school and is expected to be completed within seven weeks.

The contract was awarded to HAGs UK, manufacturers of commercial outdoor play equipment, who submitted a design concept which is inspired by the history of Earlston, with inspiration taken from the Leaderfoot Viaduct, Thomas the Rhymer, the Black Hills Fort, and L

Earlier this week pupils from Earlston and Leader Valley primary schools, along with Leaderdale and Melrose councillors, joined HAGs UK to officially mark the start of works.

The new destination playpark caters for children aged 3 to 14 and is structured around three main zones: Toddler, Junior and Sensory – Quiet.

A Rhymer’s Corner has also been created where stories can be read or word games played, serving as an informal outdoor classroom.

The design has considered the needs of everyone, striving to make the play area as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Improving facilities throughout the Borders

The playpark investment forms part of the Scottish Borders Council’s Capital Programme for Play Areas and Community Outdoor Spaces supported by Scottish Government funding.

The prioritised capital investment programme was agreed for the period 2022-2029 with play facility upgrades being planned in consultation with communities across a range of sites.

The programme will see an investment of almost £5 million to enhance these facilities for current and future generations, providing significant play opportunities for all.

Councillor David Parker, SBC’s executive member for Integrated Care and Support Services, said: “Scottish Borders Council remains committed to investing in and improving facilities throughout the Borders.

“This can be seen through the projects that have already been delivered across the region and through those that will be delivered over the next four years.

“This park in Earlston is a £285,000 project, and it will have a fantastic range of equipment in it for young people.”

Source: https://www.midlothianview.com/news/playtime-back-on-the-curriculum-with-285k-playpark