Council supports Fala community in new play equipment venture
Emily and Charlie Trotter, pictured, are among scores of local children enjoying new play equipment in Fala thanks to a community venture supported by Midlothian Council.
Mum got in touch
Emily and Charlie’s mother, Julia, got in touch with the council’s land and countryside team because the existing play park only catered for children up to the age of five.
Rallied support
When she was told the council could install and maintain any new equipment but did not have the budget to supply it, Julia rallied the support of the Fala Community Association.
More than £13,000 raised
Thanks to Julia and members’ efforts, more than £13,000 was raised.
Fun for local children
A new Rotaweb, a 3.3 metre high spinning climbing frame, was installed recently and is now being used by children from the local community and surrounding area.
A real difference
Julia said: “The new Rotaweb has made such a difference to the play park. The children in the local community are delighted, and have been out on it even in the snow.
Very grateful
“We are all very grateful and feel very privileged to have this equipment available. The previous equipment only catered for the younger age group of up to 5-years-old, so we now have something for all ages.
Generous donations
“We had some very generous donations from local landowners, from the Fala Community Association which raised money by holding social events pre-Covid. We also received much appreciated grants from The Orcome Trust, Foundation Scotland and our biggest benefactor, DLX Community Benefit Fund.”
Great example of working together
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for parks and open spaces, Councillor John Hackett said: “This is a terrific local project and an excellent example of how communities can achieve improvements to their area. By working in partnership with the council this has enabled the community to deliver a benefit to young people in the area for years to come. Congratulation to all those involved.”