Published Date: Jan 13th, 2025
A new year means a new look Riverside Park in Glenrothes, and work on several fronts is continuing over the next few months.
Almost £5 million was secured from the UK Government to turn what many may have once considered an under-used asset into a key destination for locals and visitors alike.
Amazing progress has already been made, as you’ll have experienced if you’ve recently visited, and contractors remain on track to complete the park’s transformation by the end of March this year.
A new £1m savannah-themed adventure playpark is taking shape nicely, and work has started this week on a new 120m x 60m pump cycling track which will be fully accessible and capable of hosting international competitions.
Major pathway regeneration works have been carried out to not only build new routes but upgrade existing paths to provide better connections in and around the park; car parks have been resurfaced and extended; new toilets are in the pipeline; and the pond has been completely rejuvenated following extensive dredging and land maintenance.
The planned programme of work will continue this month on both sides of the park, with staircase improvements pencilled in for Riverside Park West over the next few weeks.
Work to enhance the B969 River Leven Bridge, known locally as the White Bridge, is also expected to start the week beginning January 21, and temporary traffic lights will be in operation.
To the east side of the park, in addition to the playpark and pump track projects, the car park extension has started and will continue right through to the end of March – meaning it will be closed whilst work is ongoing.
Drainage and path works will also be carried out in certain areas.
Councillor John Beare, convener of the Glenrothes Area Committee, said: “2025 will be a massive year for the town and we can’t wait to see the plans for Riverside Park come to fruition.
“The playpark, which will be accessible to children of all ages and abilities, already looks fantastic, and that’s even before the giant hippo equipment is installed to reflect the town’s long-standing association with them.
“We’d like to thank members of the public for their continued patience as work around the park continues, and I think we’re all looking forward to the revamped Riverside Park being fully open in the Spring.”
Looking further forward, work is ongoing behind the scenes to introduce new activities to Riverside Park, so watch this space, while more than 4,000 trees and 300,000 bulbs are being planted as part of the environmental enhancements in the area.
As ever, the planned work programme is dependent on weather conditions, and further updates will be provided as/when necessary.
