Six play parks across Renfrewshire have recently been refurbished as the council continues to invest in providing modern and inclusive areas for families to enjoy.
A number of play parks have recently been completed as part of Renfrewshire Council’s play park investment programme. They include Robertson Park in Renfrew, Stuart Road in Bishopton, Campbell Street and Poplar Avenue in Johnstone, Ferguslie Gardens in Paisley, and a new outdoor gym at Lochwinnoch Public Park.
Since 2021, more than £5million has been invested by the council, Scottish Government and a small amount of community fundraising in over 50 play parks and wheeled sports facilities.
As part of this ongoing commitment, Renfrewshire Council agreed at this year’s 2026/27 budget to allocate an additional £2.1 million over the next three years to the play park renewal programme. This will ensure that by 2029, all council-owned play parks in Renfrewshire will have been renewed or refurbished.
Primary 3 pupils from Kirklandneuk Primary School in Renfrew visited the recently completed play area at Robertson Park, to put the new equipment to the test.
Ayla, aged 8, said:
I really like the swing, it’s all amazing. I like coming to the park with my mum and friends.
Harris, aged 8, said:
I love the swing under the pirate ship, I like sitting on it, it’s a lot of fun. I think I’ll be coming to the park more with my dad and brother over the summer.
Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, said:
It’s fantastic to see the transformation of Robertson Park play area and to see local children enjoying the new equipment.
This project is a great example of how we are investing in our communities, creating modern, inclusive play spaces where children can play, learn and socialise in a safe and fun environment.
I’m very proud of our investment in our play parks and the additional funding confirmed at this year’s budget over the next 3 years will ensure that every community benefits from high-quality, free play facilities.
The upgraded play area, delivered by Kompan Scotland Ltd, features a wide range of modern, inclusive equipment, including a wheelchair-accessible carousel, WeHopper seesaw, gondola swing, pirate-themed toddler play units, balance and climbing features, sensory play panels, and a bespoke ‘Man-O’War’ multiplay unit built around the park’s iconic concrete castle centrepiece.
Community engagement is a key part of the programme. Throughout the play park investment works local residents have been asked to share their views on what they’d like to see included in the play parks due for improvement to make sure what’s delivered meets the needs of the local community.
There are a number of play park improvements set to take place over the coming months as work is set to start in a number of areas including KGV Playing Fields in Renfrew, a new quiet play and seating area at Robertson Park, outdoor gym equipment at Poplar Avenue in Johnstone, BMX track improvements in Erskine, a new pump track at Barshaw Park, and new play areas in Linwood and Paisley.
Public engagement activity is now underway to inform the designs for future play park refurbishment projects which include Fountain Gardens, Darkwood Crescent, Ferguslie Gardens play area and Green Road in Paisley, Elderslie West (Old Road), Elderslie, Thomas Shanks Park, Johnstone, Lyle Crescent, Bishopton, Millfield Meadows, Erskine.
Residents can find out more and share their ideas by visiting: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/play-park-consultation.