A constituent recently wrote to me about the play parks at the foot of Roseangle and in Balgay Park :“I write about the play parks at Magdalen Green and Balgay Park. I understand that due to the current climate that play park improvements aren't very high up the priority list but these parks are not great and really need some improvements.
I have a 15 month old son and during the summer have been visiting the parks a lot and compared the the lovely play park at Castle Green in the Ferry the parks are pretty rubbish. I am not looking for an adventure playground but better ground covering instead of the skin removing concrete and slightly better range of facilities for older and younger children would be nice.
I understand there are several parks across Dundee that all need attention and that it is difficult to decide which parks should get attention.”
I contacted the Leisure & Communities Department about this and have received the following helpful feedback :
"We will certainly look at the two play areas that have been highlighted at Magdalen Green and Balgay Park, particularly in relation to the issue regarding safety surfacing. I suspect that the safety surfacing that your constituent is referring to is surrounding the shute area which, in itself, is not so much a priority as compared to a climbing frame or a swing, as you can possibly appreciate.
I would agree that our aspiration is to create play which is interesting, challenging and provides a focal point for the park and for the children in respect of enjoyment and fulfilment. Obviously the major stumbling block is going to be funding of any improvements and refurbishment of a similar sized play area would ballpoint be around £150,000-£200,000. Obviously there are variations on this which could take the figure down. However at this stage we have no financial provision in our budget.
We will certainly look at the play areas to see whether there are alternative methods of funding and I will ensure that you are kept in the loop."
I'll obviously update residents on this matter as I hear further.