Christmas comes early as Loretto opens new play park

Sisters Jessica Monteith, Ciera Monteith and Megan Monteith on the new climbing frame in Inchyra Place
Sisters Jessica Monteith, Ciera Monteith and Megan Monteith on the new climbing frame in Inchyra Place

A brand new community play park has opened in Grangemouth after a £150,000 makeover by Loretto Housing and its partner City Building.

The park, at Inchyra Place, now has specially adapted swings for children with disabilities, as well as new play equipment including slides, a roundabout and new climbing frames.

It also boasts a new fence, painted in bright primary colours by City Building apprentices for free as part of the organisation’s community benefits programme.

The fence was tested by local children Melissa Monteith, Caitlyn Forsyth and Rachel Wylie, who used it to practice their handstands.

Jessica Monteith cuts the ribbon with Loretto Housing’s head of housing Dan Blake
Jessica Monteith cuts the ribbon with Loretto Housing’s head of housing Dan Blake

Five-year-old Jessica Monteith, from Inchyra Place, officially opened the park in a ribbon cutting ceremony with Loretto’s head of housing Dan Blake.

Jessica’s mum, Pamela Coyle, said: “The old play park was quite run down, so this has made a massive difference.

“We avoided it a bit before, but the children are desperate to get out and play there now.

“They are really excited. There are a lot of kids on this street. A brand new play park is like an early Christmas present for all of them.”

Locals Ciera Monteith, Melissa Monteith, Caitlyn Forsyth and Rachel Wylie test the new fences with a group handstand
Locals Ciera Monteith, Melissa Monteith, Caitlyn Forsyth and Rachel Wylie test the new fences with a group handstand

Loretto’s Dan Blake said: “We are always looking for ways to make our customers lives better – and that includes the youngest ones.

“The new playground is an investment in our community, but was also an opportunity for apprentices to hone their skills on a real project.

“It looks fantastic, and I hope it will be a place where children can enjoy playing for many years to come.”

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