Larkfield community celebrates new playpark

LARKFIELD residents have celebrated the opening of a new playpark in the heart of their community.

Inverclyde Council has delivered the children’s play facility off Cumberland Road in Greenock, also known as the Smithston area, thanks to £76,000 of grant funding from the Scottish Government. 

It features equipment that is accessible for children of all abilities and a purple surface in a nod to the colours of neighbouring Aileymill Primary School.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, officially opened the new playpark along with community stalwart Anne ‘Nana’ Shand, who campaigned for a playpark.

Cllr McCormick said: “You can see from the turnout from the local community for the official opening what this new playpark means to them and their families.

“It is a terrific asset for the Larkfield and Braeside areas and the fact that the park has been mobbed every day since it opened speaks volumes.

“I’m delighted for the local community and in particular for Nana Shand who has long made the case for a playpark for the area and you can see already the positive impact it is having.”

Work started on Monday 7 April and was completed ahead of schedule on Friday 30 April 2025.

Nana Shand, who is a member of the Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton Community Council, said: “I always say everything comes to those who wait.

“I’m over the moon with our wee park. It will make a difference to everybody.

“To hear the kids here laughing and enjoying the new playpark is brilliant.”

The playpark is being built next to local shops that were demolished a number of years ago.

Further landscaping works are planned at a later date.

Also at the official opening were local councillors Tommy McVey and Paul Cassidy and representatives from the community council along with their friends and family.

 

 

Page last updated: 2 May 2025