Work to start on six play parks across Renfrewshire

Investment in Renfrewshire’s play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks. 

Designs have been revealed for the play parks that will soon be upgraded, as part of a Renfrewshire Council programme to provide fun and welcoming places for young people and families. 

The £480,000 investment will see play areas renewed at Robertson Park in Renfrew, Stuart Road in Bishopton, Campbell Street in Johnstone and Poplar Avenue in Johnstone. There will also be a brand-new play area installed at East Fulton in Linwood and a partial refurbishment of the play area at Ferguslie Gardens in Paisley.  

Communities across the local areas were engaged with to help identify the type of equipment they’d like to see in their new play parks. 

Their feedback was factored into the designs and the new equipment that will be installed in the play parks include rope end swings, somersault bars, inclusive roundabouts, 3-bay swing sets, spinner bowls, climbing nets and multi-play tower units.  

Contractors Sutcliffe Play Ltd, Kompan Scotland Ltd and Scotplay & Sports Ltd have now been appointed to carry out the upgrades with work anticipated to start at the sites early in the new year with work due to complete by late spring.  

The renewal works to the play parks are being funded from the Scottish Government’s Play Area Renewal Fund, with a small proportion of Renfrewshire Council capital funding. 

In addition to this, planning is also taking place for enhancements to a further three play parks in Renfrewshire: KGV Playing Fields, Renfrew, Robertson Park (Craigielea Road End), Renfrew and a brand new play park at Braehead Road, Paisley.  

Two new outdoor gyms will be also installed at Poplar Avenue, Johnstone and Lochwinnoch Public Park, Lochwinnoch in collaboration with funding from #YouDecide. The installation of these projects is likely to take place in Spring 2026. 

Following engagement with the public, the existing red blaes BMX track at Barshaw Park, Paisley will soon be transformed into a modern, all-concrete pump track. This £175K investment is being fully funded from the Scottish Government’s Play Area Renewal Fund and completion of the new facility is expected in late Spring 2026. 

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I’m very proud of our play park investment programme which has already delivered refurbishments to play parks in every council ward area in Renfrewshire.  

“We recognise how important it is to have fun and enjoyable outdoor spaces in our communities and we are committed to ensuring young people and families across Renfrewshire have access to free play in their local area. 

“Alongside the local communities I’m excited to see plans progress for the six play areas and the ones which will follow later next year.” 

Since 2021, more than £5million has been invested in play parks by the council, Scottish Government, and a small amount of community fundraising. To date 47 play parks have been completed and this number will rise to 55 by late Spring 2026.