Midlothian Council supports Fala playpark venture

Local parent Julia Trotter 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.

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.

Thanks to Julia and Fala Community Association members’ efforts, more than £13,000 was raised to go towards purchasing the new play equipment for local children to enjoy now and for many years to come.

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.

Julia is delighted to now see her idea come to fruition and has been pleased with the reaction to the new playpark equipment from local youngsters.

She 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.

“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 five-years-old, so we now have something for all ages.

“We had some very generous donations from local landowners and from the Fala Community Association which raised money by holding social events pre-coronavirus restrictions.

“We also received much appreciated grants from The Orcome Trust, Foundation Scotland and our biggest benefactor, DLX Community Benefit Fund.”

Julia’s children Emily and Charlie Trotter, pictured, are among scores of local children enjoying new play equipment in Fala thanks to this community venture supported by the local authority.

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for parks and open spaces, Councillor John Hackett (Lab) welcomed this community- Midlothian Council initiate and praised all those involved in making it a reality.

He 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 Midlothian 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.”