THE new 'destination' playpark at the Meedies will soon be open and that should be followed by other improvements across the 1,200 acre site.

Councillors were given an update on the draft development plan and the priorities for the country park over the next three-to-five years.

That's set to include changes at the cafe, new sand for the beach, the return of the coal pug, extended bike trails and better signs and communication throughout.

However, a warning was sounded by Fife Council's Paul Vaughan, the head of service, communities and neighbourhoods, who said: "Daily running costs are increasing and this continues to be a challenge as budgets haven’t increased at the same level.

Central Fife Times: The new destination playpark at Lochore Meadows Country Park is scheduled to open in the Spring. The new destination playpark at Lochore Meadows Country Park is scheduled to open in the Spring. (Image: Newsquest)

"In a few areas, such as staffing, budgets have decreased.

"Additional funding will need to be secured to implement and deliver many of the improvement projects."

Lochore Meadows Country Park opened in 1976 and achieved a four-star Visit Scotland rating in 2018 - the aim is to go one better and become a five star attraction.

Visitor numbers are increasing, they topped a million in 2022, and what's often referred to as a "jewel in the crown" should become even more popular with the planned improvements.

In recent years funding has paid for the new Willie Clarke Centre and the golf pavilion while the destination playpark is being built by Kompan and, after a few false starts, is due to open in the Spring, which could mean next month.

The Meedies already has a nine hole golf course, outdoor education centre, water sports, bike trails and paths, Fairy Wood, buggy tours, park runs and Fife Pilgrim Way, while the gala and music event Rockore are held there every summer.

Central Fife Times: Bike trails at the Meedies could be extended to to create a cross country loop capable of hosting major events. Bike trails at the Meedies could be extended to to create a cross country loop capable of hosting major events. (Image: Fife Council)

As well as a beloved local asset, it is a tourist destination and attracts visitors from across Fife and central Scotland.

Recent additions include paddleboarding and wild swimming at the loch, there's been an increase in accessible bike hire and the introduction of park tours, Highland cattle and 25 motorhome pitches for overnight stays.

In 2021 it was agreed that an updated draft plan was needed.

It includes projects that were already under way and others they'd like to progress.

The refreshed version says a new menu is being produced at the cafe, they're looking at the hours of operation and layout too, while there are plans for a covered seating area outside.

Renovation work to the little train is being done for free by Smeaton Engineering - it's expected to return next year - while the Save the Cage group are fundraising for a heritage display in June.

A structural survey of the pit head was carried out in January and the results awaited.

Benarty Bells was completed last year while the Sands garden of reflection was finished too, with the Friends of Lochore Meadows exploring the idea of a sensory area to complement it.

The redevelopment of White Wood Bike Park has also been done and an extension of the trails, to create a cross country loop capable of hosting major events, is being looked at.

The motorhome site could get an automatic barrier and two additional electric hook-ups while new sand has been delivered for the beach area, where other works are planned.

Central Fife Times: Often referred to as a jewel in the crown of Fife, Lochore Meadows Country Park is 1,200 acres in size and opened in 1976. Often referred to as a jewel in the crown of Fife, Lochore Meadows Country Park is 1,200 acres in size and opened in 1976. (Image: Fife Council)

New drainage next to the cafe is part of the playpark works while a solution to flooding problems at the football pitch at the entrance has had "excellent results".

Potholes have been filled on Pit Road and repairs are needed to the large jetty, as a result of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

There will be reviews of staffing and parking and moves to involve local young people in biodiversity and heritage projects.

However, a balance must be struck as locals want the park to retain its original ethos, as a place for education, conservation and recreation, it must not become "over developed or commercialised" and continue to be free.