Pittencrieff Park

Hawthorn Heights were awarded the play area contract in January 2018 in association with Fife Council. Acting as main contractors, we carried out all associated works supplying and installing Scotland’s first fully inclusive playground. The play area was thoughtfully designed to provide a safe place where children of all abilities can play together. The park was a big success and was well supported by the Council and local community group, namely PA1S – ‘Play as one Scotland’.

The works included clearing the existing site of all existing street furniture and play equipment, with some piece being up cycled for the new park. This included significant excavation and ground works to ensure accurate levels across the site. The installation included a wide range of timber and steel play equipment , 25 pieces in total, catering for ages from 18 months to 14 plus years. DDA equipment was the main element of this park and included a multi-sensory maze, sensory units, wheelchair swings, inclusive panels, springers and a wheelchair roundabout. There was also the inclusion of musical play equipment and bespoke rubber mounds in the shape of a lady bird and snail. Furniture included benches, litter bins and wheelchair accessible picnic tables and were made from recycled plastic.

Surfacing works included EDPM Wetpour Rubber, Bonded Gravel and a tarmac. This surfacing meant all area’s were suitable for push chairs and wheelchairs. All equipment and surfacing was subject to a post installation inspection, carried out by an independent RPII inspector.

The official opening day on 5th June 2018 attracted positive press and was attended by Scotland’s Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Hawthorn Heights are delighted to have been the contractor to provide Scotland with their first fully inclusive play park, suitable for all ages and abilities.