Published Date: Oct 1st, 2024
The City of Dunfermline Area Committee met this morning. Here's a summary of the discussion and decisions.
Funding for Dunfermline skatepark improvements
The City of Dunfermline Area Committee has awarded funds towards refurbishing Dunfermline’s aging skatepark.
The current skatepark is 20 years old and is nearing the end of its lifespan. With the city’s population steadily growing, a modern, larger facility is needed.
Plans include a phased approach, starting with a significant upgrade to the existing skatepark. Phase one will develop a new facility covering approximately 1,000 square meters on the current footprint, offering a fresh and exciting space for skaters of all ages and abilities. A total construction budget of £300,000 is needed for phase one.
Phase two will include a dedicated entry-level area designed for beginners and younger skaters. This future addition will enhance the skatepark’s appeal and encourage more people to engage with the sport. Further funding will be needed for phase two.
The skatepark redevelopment group has raised £185,000 in funds. The Area Committee has allocated an additional £101,765 of capital funding bringing the total amount to £286,765. The skatepark redevelopment group will continue to fundraise towards the construction budget target of £300,000.
City of Dunfermline Convener, Cllr James Calder said: “With these funds now secured, Dunfermline is one step closer to providing its residents with a fantastic modern facility that will serve the community for years to come.
"Local skaters and community groups have long advocated for improvements to the skatepark, and this investment demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting youth engagement and healthy outdoor activities in our city.
“The team that have been working on the skatepark project have been doing a great job in raising the funds for this and we are pleased to be able to support them. This will have a particularly positive effect in providing an outlet for young people to enjoy.”
Budget requests
Community food development worker post extension - £42,152
Area committee agreed to extend this post for 12 months. In the first eight months the community food development worker has achieved:
- supporting 12 organisations delivering Winter Welcome activities,
- supporting meal in a bag project via Baldridgeburn Pantry,
- supporting organisations delivering Cafe Inc as well as carrying out evaluations after Easter and Summer,
- food hygiene training for community food organisations, and
- supporting meal in a bag project via Baldridgeburn Pantry.
Along with continuing this work, over the next 12 months the community food development worker will also focus on:
- supporting new community food projects across Dunfermline,
- co-delivering community food champion training through health promotions, and
- working with Feeding Fifers to develop a new “seed to fork” course in primary schools.
Duloch Park and Calais Woods Improvements - £22,400
Committee members agreed to funding these improvements which include:
- installing a new accessible nature trail within the park by widening and enhancing existing grass path and adding points of interest such as wildlife posts with rubbing plaques for children to identify local wildlife,
- creating two interpretation boards telling the local history story - Dunfermline Men’s Shed will build the boards.
Cllr Calder explained: “We want to build on the great things already happening in our area, making sure there are opportunities for everyone and that our city thrives.”
