Avonbridge Park Transformation: A Five-Year Community Success Story

Introduction
This regeneration demonstrates how dedicated volunteers and strategic funding can revitalise public spaces and strengthen community bonds. Located in the small village of Avonbridge in the Falkirk council area of Scotland, this former coal mining community has witnessed the complete overhaul of its only public recreational space through the determined efforts of local volunteer groups working in partnership with Falkirk Council and timely investment from the EDF Renewables Burnhead Moss Wind Farm Fund alongside other funders.

Community Background and Challenges
Avonbridge is a village of approximately 670 residents situated 5 miles south-southeast of Falkirk, straddling the River Avon at the junction of the B8028 and B825 roads.  The village has deep historical roots, with settlement existing for several centuries, though it only acquired the name 'Avonbridge' quite late.  Like many communities in central Scotland, Avonbridge's character was shaped by its industrial heritage, particularly open-cast coal mining during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and a brickworks in the mid-twentieth century.

The area's industrial past has left lasting social and economic challenges.  The broader Falkirk region experiences mixed levels of deprivation, with 43,406 residents (27.1%) of the local authority population living in areas corresponding to the three most deprived deciles in Scotland.  Avonbridge is considered to be amongst the 40% most deprived areas in Scotland, and in particular amongst the 20% most deprived in relation to access to services and amenities.  It shares characteristics common to former industrial communities: a need for investment in community infrastructure and facilities to support social cohesion and quality of life.

The 2017 Avonbridge and Standburn Community Plan identified critical gaps in recreational provision, noting that the villages had a younger than Scottish average population, and limited sports or youth groups operating.  The community consultation revealed that "perhaps no other single project would unite the Avonbridge community as much as providing better play facilities for children and young people [in Avonbridge Park].  The current amenities...  do not meet the needs of many people, the principal shortcomings being the lack of play equipment for older children and teenagers."

The Catalyst: Formation of ASRI
In April 2018, the Avonbridge & Standburn Recreational Initiative (ASRI) was formed by a group of local volunteers with a shared vision of redeveloping and improving recreation grounds in both villages.  Working initially under the auspices of the Avonbridge & Standburn Community Council, ASRI constituted as an unincorporated association in November 2019.

The group's management committee comprised eight members with diverse relevant experience covering fundraising, sport and training, working with young people, land and property development, large-scale project management, and community development.  Several members had children, ensuring young people's voices remained central to planning decisions.

Phase 1: The Pump Track Revolution (2020-2021)

Securing Funding and Community Support

ASRI's first major achievement came through securing £29,995 from the EDF Renewables Burnhead Moss Wind Farm Fund for pump track construction.  This funding represented nearly the entire project cost of £29,994, complemented by £10,000 of in-kind match funding from Falkirk Council for essential drainage works, demonstrating the effective partnership and negotiations between the community group and local authority. 

The group demonstrated exemplary community engagement throughout the planning process, conducting extensive consultations with local residents, school children, and youth groups.  They held focus groups with pupils from Braes High School, conducted voting exercises with Avonbridge Primary School pupils, and organised a park 'fun day' in July 2019 featuring a temporary pump track to gauge community enthusiasm.

Project Delivery and Impact
The 100-metre circular pump track, designed with a fast-rolling, low-maintenance grippy asphalt surface and 15-year lifespan, was completed in 2021.  Crucially, the track was designed to be inclusive, with sufficient space and gradient between rollers to accommodate younger and older children using scooters, bikes, skateboards, adaptive cycles, and wheelchairs. The immediate impact was transformational.  The track led to Avonbridge being described as 'the coolest village in the Braes' on social media.  It even achieved its own YouTube following.

Phase 2: Wider Park improvements – Avonbridge & Beyond
Meanwhile, the group had managed to secure additional funding from other sources for further site improvements. This included funding of £60,000 from the Land Trust – Scottish Landfill Communities Fund for play park developments in Avonbridge itself, but also in nearby Standburn.  This was also key to securing Falkirk Council’s agreement to contribute.  

The subsequent improvements featured bespoke designs reflecting both villages' mining and railway industrial heritage, plus playground equipment, benches, and picnic areas to make the parks centrepieces of community life. The play equipment in each park (Avonbridge and Standburn) was specifically designed to complement each other, thereby providing a varied and interesting play offering for children, with the intention of encouraging families to visit both parks and hence increase interaction between the villages.  Both designs included inclusive play opportunities and access to equipment encouraging sliding, climbing, balancing, spinning, rocking, swinging and social play for children of all ages and abilities - and the young at heart.

The success of this initial phase was recognised in Foundation Scotland's "Pump Track pump-primes public park" news item, highlighting how the investment had catalysed broader park regeneration.  The Falkirk Herald reported that a "funding windfall leads to new plans for Falkirk area play parks" reiterating how the pump track success had unlocked further investment opportunities.   

Other communities took note. ASRI reported that: "We have been contacted by over six different groups from across Falkirk, West Lothian, Stirlingshire and the Borders asking us for advice and information on how we achieved the project." 

Phase 3:  Avonbridge Park Security and Safety (2022)
Addressing Emerging Challenges
Following the pump track's success, ASRI faced new challenges in the form of minor vandalism and anti-social behaviour.  Rather than accepting these setbacks, the group proactively sought solutions in partnership with Falkirk Council, and successfully applied for £7,000 from the EDF Renewables Burnhead Moss Wind Farm Fund to install state-of-the-art CCTV cameras.

Innovative Security Solution
Working in partnership with Falkirk Council, ASRI arranged for the installation of a sophisticated CCTV system, which was connected to the existing centralised Falkirk CCTV monitoring centre, providing 24/7 surveillance.  The cameras were strategically positioned to monitor the park whilst respecting residents' privacy concerns through the installation of a steel plate limiting the camera's sweep to 180 degrees covering only the park area.

The security investment proved highly effective.  The installation report a year later noted: "This has proved to be a significant deterrent and we haven't experienced any further acts of vandalism or any anti-social behaviour since the camera was installed." Five years later, the Pump Track remains well-used and in good condition – aside from some minor paint splodges daubed on the sign.

The Role of Avonbridge Community Association (ACA)
Avonbridge Community Association (ACA) became involved in continuing the momentum of park improvements.  ACA, which managed the Avonbridge Community Centre until its closure in early 2025, has played a huge role in community life over the years, including activities such as kids holiday club provision, weekly Kids' Club, over-60s Brunch & Munch café, and children’s book distribution.  Listening initially to informal ideas from local families, ACA identified the need for additional recreational equipment and began working in partnership with Falkirk Council to develop the next phase of improvements.

Phase 3: The Flying Fox Installation (2023-2025)
Community Consultation and PlanningIn 2023, ACA conducted rapid community consultation regarding the installation of a zip line (flying fox) in the park.  The response was overwhelmingly positive: a Facebook poll attracted 81 votes in favour with zero against, whilst a survey of Avonbridge Primary School pupils showed 34 out of 45 pupils supporting the proposal. ACA initially requested £35,000 for the zip line installation but achieved significant cost savings by working in partnership with Falkirk Council, reducing the final amount required to £29,821.  

The chosen supplier, was selected through a competitive tendering process involving three quotes from established companies on Falkirk Council's Scotland Excel Framework.

Completion and Community Impact
The flying fox installation was completed in early 2025, despite some delays due to staff shortages.  The installation report confirmed: "The flying foxes are a much-loved part of the recreation area, enjoying frequent use from locals and visitors alike."
Residents have loved the new Zip Line.   

“The kids club have been meeting at the park quite regularly this year and on those days the flying fox is being used by 20-30 kids ranging from nursery to high school.  It's a great addition to the park and one of the most popular features.” Parent, Avonbridge.

“I take my daughter to the park and she always has a go on the flying foxes.  She has a great time and likes to race up and down.” Father, Avonbridge

“My son loves the flying fox! So does Molly the dog!” Mother, Avonbridge

The EDF Renewables Burnhead Moss Wind Farm Fund: A Strategic Partnership
Throughout this transformation, the EDF Renewables Burnhead Moss Wind Farm Fund has provided the fuel to complement the immense volunteer efforts amongst residents.  Administered by Foundation Scotland, the Fund has provided over £66,000 in direct funding across three phases:

• Phase 1 (2020): £29,995 for pump track construction
• Phase 2 (2021): £7,000 for CCTV installation
• Phase 3 (2023): £29,821 for zip line installation

The Fund's approach has been characterised by thorough assessment processes, proportionate grant conditions, and genuine partnership working with community groups.  The Fund's investment has helped leverage additional resources, with the initial pump track grant helping to unlock over £120,000 in funding from other sources including the Land Trust - Scotland Landfill Fund and Falkirk Council.

Sustained Impact: Evidence of Long-Term Success
Five years after the initial pump track installation, site visits confirm the project's sustained benefits:

Physical Infrastructure

• All installations remain in good condition, testament to quality design, construction and community efforts to raise awareness and keep an eye on it.   
• The 15-year guarantee on the pump track surface appears well-founded
• CCTV system continues to provide effective security deterrent
• Comprehensive drainage improvements by Falkirk Council have enhanced the entire site

Community Engagement

• Regular use by residents of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers
• Attraction of visitors from surrounding areas, enhancing local social connections
• Integration with other community activities and events
• Continued volunteer engagement through both ASRI and ACA
• Economic Impact
• Potentially enhanced property values and community desirability – indeed, construction of six new family houses has recently begun in Avonbridge.  
• Reduced travel costs for families seeking recreational facilities
• Potential footfall benefits from visitor attraction

Social Cohesion

• Strengthened intergenerational connections through shared recreational space
• Enhanced community pride and identity
• Successful model inspiring other communities across central Scotland

Lessons Learned and Best Practice
The Avonbridge Park transformation offers valuable insights for community-led regeneration:

Effective Volunteer Leadership
Both ASRI and ACA demonstrate the importance and value of having committed volunteers with complementary skills.  The committees' blend of fundraising expertise, project management experience, and community connections proved essential to success:

"We are extremely proud to have secured this level of investment in our small communities. This is a great example of what can be achieved by a small group of dedicated individuals with a vision for improvement.  We hope our efforts will inspire other residents to devise and develop interesting and exciting projects in the coming years."  ASRI Chairperson, Jo Hirst, 2021

Strategic Partnership Working
The relationship with Falkirk Council exemplifies effective partnership.  Community groups ensured resident voices and needs shaped the design and priorities.  The Council's provision of in-kind match funding, technical expertise, ongoing maintenance commitment, and willingness to act as purchaser to reduce costs created genuine partnership rather than mere consultation.

Phased Development Approach
Developing the park in phases allowed for learning and refinement, built community confidence through visible early successes, and enabled the leveraging of initial investments to secure additional funding.

Comprehensive Community Engagement
From the outset, both ASRI and ACA prioritised genuine community consultation, ensuring proposals reflected actual community needs rather than assumptions.  Their engagement of children and young people was particularly noteworthy.

Quality Over Quantity
The focus on high-quality, durable installations with appropriate guarantees and maintenance arrangements has ensured long-term value for money rather than short-term cosmetic improvements.

Conclusion
The transformation of Avonbridge Park represents far more than the installation of recreational equipment.  It demonstrates how strategic community organising, when supported by appropriate funding mechanisms and genuine partnership working, can address multiple community needs simultaneously: social cohesion, physical health, community pride, and socio-economic regeneration.

The EDF Renewables Burnhead Moss Wind Farm Fund's investment of £66,816 has leveraged additional investments totalling over £180,000, creating a community asset valued at approaching a quarter of a million pounds.  More importantly, it has strengthened community capacity, demonstrated what is possible through collective action, and provided a model for other communities facing similar challenges.

Five years on, the continued heavy use of all facilities, absence of significant vandalism or anti-social behaviour, and ongoing community pride in the achievement confirms this as a genuine long-term success story.  The park now serves not only as a recreational facility but as a symbol of what can be achieved when communities take ownership of their future and are supported by enlightened funding partnerships.

As one local resident observed, the park has helped transform Avonbridge from a quiet post-industrial village into "the coolest village in the Braes" – a testament to the power of community vision, volunteer dedication, and strategic investment working in harmony.