A NEW play park has been officially opened at Christie Park in Alexandria with the help of youngsters from nearby Christie Park Primary School.

Funded as part of a £2 million council investment in developing new play areas in West Dunbartonshire, the £100,000 new facility at Christie Park features the area’s biggest ever climbing frame as well as a zip slide, swings and an obstacle course.

New play equipment specially designed for children with additional support needs has also been installed.

The new facility was opened as work started on new play parks in Tullichewan and Dumbarton Common, with work set to get under way on a new £140,000 play facility in New Bonhill next month.

New play parks in Overburn, Dumbarton and Haldane are almost complete and similar projects in Linnvale and Hardgate are now up and running.

A total of 23 sites will benefit from the £2m funding, which was approved by the council’s infrastructure and regeneration committee.

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, convener for infrastructure and regeneration, said: “I am pleased to officially open this brilliant new facility in Christie Park, which marks another step in our drive to build a better West Dunbartonshire.

“The facility here is first class and will certainly keep youngsters entertained for hours on end.”

Pupils from the school can’t get enough of the park as they enjoy the different equipment.

Katie Edgar, of Christie Park Primary’s P6 class, said: “The new park is absolutely great and I’ve been there at least 10 times. I like everything but I especially love the big gigantic tower you climb on.”

Classmate Will Gray also likes the tower: “The new park is amazing because there is new equipment to go on. My favourite thing is the tower because there is a great view from the top.”

Councillor David McBride added: “The council has worked with residents to improve our communities and we recognise that play areas are a big part of that.

“The benefits of sport and play for children are obvious and providing stimulating outdoor areas such as this one in Christie Park is just one way we are enhancing our local areas.”

Also planned as part of the investment is a skate park at Dillichip Park, a new all-weather play area in Goldenhill Park, an upgrade to the multi-use games area in Castlehill – among others.

Work will continue at locations across the area over the next 12 months.