Kinglassie fund swings into action to support new local play park
Four local groups have received a total of £33,000 from the Nadara Westfield Community Fund.
The Nadara Westfield Community Fund has announced four awards to groups in Kinglassie, Fife, with the largest single award of £25,000 going towards the regeneration of the local play park.
Funding will contribute to the replacement of outdated play equipment at Sauchie Street, with a new, fully accessible play park. The new facility will promote active play, healthier lifestyles, community interaction, and safe outdoor activities for people of all ages.
The Community Council originally requested £15,000 of funding to contribute to the regeneration of the park. However, given the scale of the project, its legacy for future generations, and to ensure the project continued its momentum, the fund’s decision making Panel, made up of local people from the community, agreed to award an additional £10,000.
The play park project is being delivered in partnership with Fife Council, Kinglassie Community Council and Quale Homes. With a total fundraising target of £115,000, the project has come close to reaching its goal but is still seeking donations and funding to cross the finish line.
“This award is a huge boost for our community. Families in Kinglassie have been waiting a long time for a modern, accessible playpark, and this support from the Westfield Kinglassie Fund brings us significantly closer to making that a reality. We’re incredibly grateful, and would encourage anyone who wants to see this project succeed to get in touch – every contribution makes a difference.”
Kinglassie Old Folks Treat Association has received a three-year award totalling £6,300 to support its traditional annual event for pensioners, including catering and entertainment. The event plays an important role in community life for older people, fostering social interaction and reducing isolation within the community.
“This award will make a huge difference for the pensioners in the village. Our annual event has a history, and has been run for the past 30 years. It is something that many of our older residents look forward to all year and it’s a chance to come together, share a meal, enjoy some entertainment, and feel part of their community. With fundraising becoming more and more difficult in the current financial climate, receiving three years of funding gives us the certainty we need to plan ahead and ensure we can continue bringing people together with a high standard of social event that continues to be valued by the community.”
The Mitchell Hall Resource Centre Group was awarded funding to contribute towards cleaning costs at the Mitchell Hall Resource Centre, currently managed entirely by volunteers. The award will help reduce the physical impact on those volunteers, ensuring the hall can continue to serve the community.
“Our volunteers give so much of their time and energy to keep this hall running for the benefit of everyone in Kinglassie, and this award will make a real difference to them. Knowing that the cleaning costs are covered means our volunteers can focus on what they do best – supporting their community.”
Finally, the PTA of Kinglassie Primary School and Nursery received £900 to contribute towards the purchase of a new smart board to support pupils with their learning.
This latest round of awards reflects the decision making panel’s focus on supporting projects that align with the Fund’s priorities. From ensuring children have a safe and accessible place to play, to supporting older residents to come together to backing the volunteers who keep the community hall running, these projects will benefit people of all ages across Kinglassie.
Grants of up to £4,000 are typically available from the Nadara Westfield Wind Farm Fund with higher awards considered in exceptional circumstances where projects can demonstrate significant community impact.
Constituted community groups or charities located within the Kinglassie Community Council area can read more about applying by visiting the Fund Information Page.