£25 million to improve play parks in Scotland

First minister John Swinney will announce £25 million investment for local authorities to invest in the renewing outdoor play parks across Scotland. All councils will receive a share of the funding to improve the standard of play parks, which will ensure that children have safe environments to play and socialise in.

The funding is supported by the Play Vision Statement and Action Plan for 2025-2030, which outlines Scotland’s strategy for children’s play for the next five years

First minister, visiting Woodhead Park, said: “Playing is key to a child’s healthy development, and by enabling councils to invest in outdoor pay parks, we will ensure families can access a safe, high-quality place to play within their communities. 

“This is all part of my driving mission to eradicate child poverty. Other steps we are taking include investing £3 million to develop mitigations for the UK government’s two-child benefits cap, £37 million to deliver the expansion of the free school meals programme, and putting more money in families’ pockets through the Scottish Child Payment.”

COSLA spokesperson for children and young people, Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “COSLA welcomes today’s launch of the Play Vision Statement and Action Plan, play is very important not just for the enjoyment it brings, but also for the part it plays in developing children and young people’s social skills, interests, and curiosity. It also assists in developing relationships between parents, carers and other children and young people. The Play vision Statement and Action Plan provides a good roadmap for how play can be encouraged and supported.”