Dunblane families say they are travelling to other towns to use playpark facilities due to the state of the park on their doorstep.
Newton Park, near Newton Crescent, was one of seven parks in the Stirling Council area to receive new equipment last year.
Locals argue that the playpark is “unusable” during wet weather and has “outdated” apparatus, as well as mud and too many weeds.
They say it is unsuitable for children, and needs further improvement.
Stephanie Bailey, a mum of three who lives nearby, told The Courier: “It’s so waterlogged it becomes quite unusable during wet periods.
“Obviously this side [the upgraded half] is quite good. I don’t know why the rest is in such bad condition. I don’t know why they didn’t do it at the same time.
“It needs woodchipped. The basketball hoop needs fixed. The fencing could be better too.”
Another parent, Jenny Stirton, commented that while Newton Park was “looking better”, upgrades were “long overdue”.
“The equipment that is still there – the roundabout – has been there for around 30 years. I used to play on it myself,” she said.
“The improvements are welcome but if you compare what we have to the new-ish park in Auchterarder there is a huge difference.
“We sometimes take our kids – and I know others do too – in the car up the A9 to get to a decent park.”
Locals hopeful for improvements at Newton Park
One local woman who did not want to be named said: “This half of the park is nice, but I feel for the children.
“The mud is dreadful and young ones will be getting all mucky in it.”
Another Dunblane resident who walks his dog in the park told The Courier the park could “definitely be improved” along with other playparks in the area, such as Braemar.
Galen Milne described it as an “underused” space and thought a picnic area would be a good addition.
He said: “Apart from the existing play equipment there is space for a small football games area and/or an aerial cableway.”
Richard Gallagher said: “A half court multi-sport football basketball area would be amazing as it would keep the slightly older kids interested.
“The current basketball area, when there was a hoop, didn’t have enough space below it to play.”
Councillor Alasdair Tollemache said: “I met with officers last week to discuss the concerns of residents at the state of the remaining old equipment. The wooden surrounds will be removed and other options explored.
“There has been a long-standing drainage issue on the site. The ground used as a contactors site will be reseeded.”
Stirling Council working to improve drainage
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “Stirling Council recognises the importance of play to our children and young people and we secured more than £700,000 in funding from the Scottish Government in 2023 for playpark improvements in the Stirling area over two successive financial years.
“Our playparks, including Newton Crescent and Braemar Park, are regularly inspected by officers and when issues are identified they are prioritised for improvement.
“Newton Crescent playpark benefitted from investment of almost £50,000 last year to help transform the play experience of children.
“Unfortunately, some ground damage was caused recently when steps behind the park were being repaired.
“Reinstatement work on this area will take place before the end of the month.
“We are also currently evaluating a repair on an item of play equipment, which will be undertaken as soon as is practically possible.
“We are working to improve drainage at the park and have installed play equipment on a sand carpet to mitigate, where possible, against wet conditions.”
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