Eighteen parks set to be saved

So-called “destination” play parks in the Borders, such as this one which opened in Kelso last year, will remain open.

In May 2018, the council agreed plans to consult on the possible closure of 74 small play parks it says are underused and falling into disrepair.

Instead, the council plans to spend nearly £5m over the next decade on six large play parks, three skateparks and four fitness shelters.

However, the plans have been met with a fierce backlash by some communities, with residents voicing concerns over closing smaller, more local play parks which they say are better suited for younger children.

Kelso councillor Tom Weatherston at the play park in Croft Park, which is due to be decommissioned by the council.

Now, following consultation with ward councillors and two successful petitions in Hawick and Kelso, the council is set to row back on some of the closures.

A report, set to go before councillors at a full council meeting on Thursday August 27, reads: “The current 2020/21 capital budget includes funding of £4.809m into outdoor community spaces over a 10-year period.

“This investment aims to unlock community aspirations in this area creating high-quality destination play parks, as well as facilities for skating and small wheels, youth shelters and opportunities for people of all ages to take part in physical activity.

“Investment in these destination play parks has already been completed in Galashiels (2018), Harestanes (2019), Selkirk(2016), Hawick (2017), Coldstream (2019) and Kelso (2019) with Peebles currently being procured and expected to be delivered in 2020.

“The new investment creates a financial revenue burden and, in order to ensure a cost neutral impact of the investment to the council, a programme of decommissioning of aged and underutilised play equipment is required.”

Parks to be saved from the axe

Lower Burnmouth, Burnmouth

Stebbings Rise, Eyemouth

Ainslie Terrace, Duns

Jedbank Grove, Jedburgh

Orchard Park, Kelso

Rosewood Gardens, Kelso

Roger Quin Gardens, Galashiels

Prior’s Walk, Melrose

Millburn, Lauder

Rushbank, Newstead

Fairfield Crescent, Selkirk

The Loaning, Denholm

Bowden Road, Hawick

Burnfoot School, Hawick

Hislop Gardens, Hawick

Millers Knowe, Hawick

Caddon Court, Innerleithen

Eliot’s Park, Peebles

Parks still set to be decommissioned by the council

Lammerview, Chirnside

Hallydown Crescent, Eyemouth

Douglas Court, Coldstream

Lees Farm, Coldstream

Trinity Park, Duns

Fort Hill, Jedburgh

Howden Road, Jedburgh

Hume Palace, Jedburgh

Berrymoss Court, Kelso

Croft Park, Kelso

Meadow Court, Kelso

Springwood Rise, Kelso

Sydenham Court, Kelso

Wallaceneuk, Kelso

Woodside Gardens, Kelso

Still Haugh, Fountainhall

Balnakiel Terrace, Galashiels

Broom Drive, Galashiels

Croft Street, Galashiels

Kingsknowe, Galashiels

Lee Brae, Galashiels

Netherbank, Galashiels

Rosebank Place, Galashiels

Syke’s Acre, Galashiels

Waverley Place, Galashiels

Woodlea, Galashiels

Lady’s Walk, Darnick

Acorn Drive, Earlston

Everest Road, Earlston

Gun Road, Earlston

Summerfield, Earlston

Upper Gattonside, Gattonside

Eildon View, Melrose

Fairways, Melrose

Dean Park, Newstead

Craw Wood, Tweedbank

King George V, Newtown St Boswells

Whitefield, Newtown St Boswells

Bannerfield, Selkirk

Heatherlie Park, Selkirk

Rosebank Quarry, Selkirk

Mayfield, Hawick

Waverley Walk, Hawick

Wellington Court, Hawick

Wilson Drive, Hawick

Green Terrace, Hawick

Leaburn Drive, Hawick

Caddonhaugh, Clovenfords

Memorial Hall, Innerleithen

Glen Crescent Juniors, Peebles

Kingsway, Peebles

Provost Melrose Place, Peebles

Eilbank Road, Eddleston

Crossburn Farm Road, Peebles

Haylodge Park (small), Peebles

Kingsland Square, Peebles