THE much anticipated Keirs Brae playpark in Cardenden has officially opened, with local children and residents celebrating the occasion.

It's the result of months of hard work by local residents, helped by the community and various organisations. 

A spokesperson for the Cardenden Playpark Committee said: "We are delighted to see so many children and families enjoying the new play park.

"This project has been a real team effort and we're incredibly grateful for all the support.

"This is the second playpark opened by the playpark committee and Fife Council in Cardenden, and we are in the process of a public consultation on our third!"

In March 2023, members of the Cowdenbeath area committee allocated £40,000 from Fife Council's community recovery fund, laying the foundation for the project.

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From there the playpark committee launched a campaign to raise the rest of the money to make the dream a reality.

Councillor Alex Campbell, convener of the area committee, said: "This playpark is a great example of what can be achieved when the community pulls together.

"The playpark committee and local people have done an amazing job and it's fantastic to see the results. This park will be a special place for local families for years to come.”

To gather enough money to pay for the new Keirs Brae playpark, fundraising events included an afternoon show at the Bowhill Tavern, hosted by Pamela and James Davie and Bobby Dee, a tombola and raffle run by Linda Beveridge and local community members, and an Xbox raffled off at a village fayre.

There was also a marathon rowing challenge by Aeternum CrossFit in Lochgelly, who donated some of the money they raised.

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And generous donations came in from Foundation Scotland, Kingdom Housing Association, Ore Valley Housing Association, Westfield Community Fund Fife Environmental Trust and the Scottish Government. 

In June 2023, the playpark committee asked local residents to help choose the final design with two options shared on social media. 

Cardenden Primary School pupils also had their say and helped select the winning design.

The playpark committee spokesperson added: "The committee believe every child deserves a safe, fun and engaging place to play within their locality, and our aim is to make this happen for every child in Cardenden.

"But we need more volunteers from these areas, Dundonald and Woodend, to join us. Anyone interested can contact us directly on our Facebook page.”

Local councillor Linda Erskine said: "The group have worked hard, raising funds and filling in numerous funding applications to deliver this wonderful wee play park.

"Keirs Brae Playpark may now be open but the team are not taking a break, they are already working on the consultation of the development of a new Balgreggie playpark.

"This is a great opportunity to contribute to your community and if you are interested in helping in the development of Balgreggie, please get in touch through links available on the Cardenden Community Council Facebook page.

"Alternatively you can attend the community council's next meeting on Thursday 23rd October in the Corrie Centre at 7pm."