Managing and investing in our Open Spaces

A meeting of the council's Environment & Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel was given an update on The Open Space Asset Management Plan (OSAMP) which sets out the council's approach to the management of Open Space assets such as play areas and public parks for the period 2023/24 to 2032/33.

Investment in park and play area infrastructure has continued by utilising revenue and capital investment. This investment includes routine maintenance as well as some improvements where capital investment allows. Where the level of investment allows improvement to be made, communities are typically instrumental in determining the nature of improvements.

Some of the recent projects highlighted in the report included:

• Gowanbank Play Area, Livingston - The play area has been upgraded with a new large mixed age unit, see-saw, and inclusive spinner. Furthermore, significant landscape repairs and upgrades have been made including repurposing a badly damaged concrete stairway into a new climbing wall and installing a new multi-sports panel. Funding was allocated from the Scottish Government Play Renewal grant funding. The design is intended to complement the local setting, while modernising ageing play equipment. Works were based on a community consultation exercise that included direct engagement with local children.

• Blackburn Skate Park - The skate park has been significantly refurbished. The previous skate park surface was reaching end of life as the surface had deteriorated to a poor condition due to age and significant historic vandalism. In addition, drainage systems had become damaged by historic fire-starting. The skate parks main bowl was partially resurfaced, while some soil erosion around the perimeter of the skate park was also repaired. Funding was allocated from the approved Open Space capital programme. Works were proactively promoted through local media and local youth engagement schemes to encourage local community ownership of the asset and discourage repeat vandalism.

• Craigton Park, Winchburgh - The park serves the south of Winchburgh and contains a variety of recreation opportunities including a skate park, MUGA (Ball Court), football pitch, and play area. New surfaced paths have been provided to improve active travel and recreation in the area. Seating and signage were also installed, and a small public car park was upgraded. Additional decorative tree and bulb planting was completed. The play area was upgraded with 3 new swing bays and a new junior play unit. New accessible surfacing and support swing seats were chosen to improve inclusivity in the play area. Works were based on a community consultation exercise. Funding was allocated from the approved Open Space capital programme and the Scottish Government Play Renewal grant funding.

• Deans Central Recreation Area Play Area, Livingston - The play area has been upgraded with a new swing and basketball hoop, which were added in response to a public consultation. A 'snake' play sculpture was also added providing opportunities for sensory, open ended play and additional recreational opportunities for a range of children. The seating and signage was also refurbished, and a new biodiversity bulb area was created. Funding was allocated from the Scottish Government Play Renewal grant funding, and from the approved Open Space capital programme.

Executive councillor for environment & sustainability, Tom Conn said: "The capital programme continues to deliver community aspirations while ensuring parks and play areas are safe to use

by all. I'd like to thank officers for their ongoing efforts to stringently maintain our open space facilities and for continuing to identify opportunities to enhance assets for the benefit of local communities."