Cuthill Park in Prestonpans, has been honoured at the Nancy Ovens Play Awards, which recognise those who provide or support access to high quality outdoor play experiences for children. The Trustees of the Nancy Ovens Trust commended the park in the Play in the Community category.
The accolade was announced at a ceremony on Tuesday 4th October 2016 at Dumfries House, Cumnock, Ayrshire.
In 2012, the park had the lowest quality rating of any play park in the East Lothian area.
Fearing it may become lost to the community, the Friends of Cuthill Park group sought to safeguard its future and it was given permanent protection from development when it was designated a Queen Elizabeth II Field. Since then, improvements have included the installation of decorative railings in the roadside boundary wall and the annual sowing of wildflower meadows.
The biggest change came in 2015 when £87,000 was spent on play equipment in what Jupiter Play described as a ‘challenging‘ project owing to a mixture of ground conditions including undulating grass areas surrounded by sloping hills lined with trees.
Since the creation of the play area, Cuthill Park has received outstanding 5 star ratings on popular review sites Trip Advisor and Netmums and has seen a large increase in visitor numbers.
Friends of Cuthill Park Secretary Carole Sneddon said:
“We are really thrilled to have our hard work recognised. East Lothian Council’s Amenity Services team have been very supportive in helping us create a very special play park for all sections of the community.”
Carole continued:
“Creating the play area has been a lengthy process during which we forged great partnerships with local groups, schools and the Council. We are now looking to develop these links as we progress other projects within the park”