Six months on from its handover to a new custodian, Fife’s biggest free tourist attraction is impressing visitors with a raft of improvements.
Lochore Meadows Country Park has been given something of a facelift since being handed to Fife Coast and Countryside Trust by the council last July.
The much-loved park, affectionately known as the Meadies, attracts more than half a million visitors every year.
In handing over its management to the trust, an independent charity, the local authority also gave £1 million for its redevelopment and £120,000 a year to run the visitor attraction.
Thanks to funding from the council and the Living Lomonds Landscape Partnership project, FCCT has been able to carry out an extensive modernisation programme.
Toilets have been refurbished and upgraded and a state-of-the-art touchscreen computer terminal installed. In addition, the park centre was painted, improved signs and lighting have been put in place and, most importantly, the role of park manager has been brought back.
The next stage of the ambitious project will see plans drawn up to replace the existing park centre with a new building.
The trust is asking the public to suggest facilities that could be included in the new centre, which will be partially funded by the council’s £1m contribution.
It is now planning the next stage in the park’s regeneration. Within the next couple of months, a shop will open, creating jobs and further enhancing the park’s appeal.
In keeping with the trust’s vision for the park, electric vehicles are going to be purchased to help people travel from Kelty and the surrounding area to the meadows.
A dedicated website for the park will also be launched.
The council’s community health and wellbeing spokesman, Gavin Yates, is pleased with the positive changes at the park in the last six months. He said the additional £120,000 per year from the council is already greatly contributing toward these improvements.
“Coupled with the trust’s expertise in managing some of Fife’s other outdoor attractions, I believe we’re on to a winning formula to regenerate the country park.
“This is an important facility for Fife that is dearly loved by locals and visitors alike.
“I’d like to congratulate the trust on their progress so far and am sure this will continue into the busy summer season.”
To send suggestions for the new park centre email ian.laing@fifecountryside.co.uk or call him on 03451 555555.