The proposed project aims to transform the Glenconnor green space in Linlathen into a vibrant, multi-functional hub for recreation, fitness, and community engagement. At the heart of this initiative is the development of a floodlit Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a modern running track, and a play trail designed for all ages. These enhancements build upon the existing, yet underutilised, small games area—addressing residents' requests for an upgraded space that better serves the community’s needs and aspirations. A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) is a flexible outdoor space designed for various sports and activities, including football, basketball, netball, hockey, and general exercise. These areas promote inclusivity, efficient land use, community cohesion, and health. MUGAs are cost-effective and easy to maintain, making them valuable assets for communities and schools. The addition of a track around the perimeter of the games area is a unique aspect and can be utilised by people of all ages for running, cycling and skateboarding. The attached design plan offers a visual representation of the revitalised green space, demonstrating how thoughtful planning and community input can work hand-in-hand to create accessible and dynamic environments. The intention is for the project to be supported with funding through Environmental Improvements via Dundee City Council- pending committee process, with a total funding cost of £180k. The application to the Neighbourhood Capital Fund is seeking an £80,000 contribution to this total. By investing in these facilities, the project seeks to encourage greater use of the green space, promote healthier lifestyles, and foster stronger social connections among residents. The enhanced amenities will not only provide new opportunities for physical activity and play but also contribute to a sense of pride and ownership within the community. Ultimately, the improved Linlathen green spaces will stand as a testament to the power of local engagement and collective action in building inclusive, resilient neighbourhoods. The opportunity to develop this space links directly with outcomes in the East End Community Plan including “Improving Green and Open Spaces” and “Increasing opportunities for Physical Activity”. This is also aligned with recommendations in the Linlathen Narrative Inquiry, which suggests the establishment of community green spaces or gardens through collaborations between local residents and Dundee City Council. The video link in the attachments shows the issue of improving green and play spaces being raised by a broad section of the local community.

Local residents, through their involvement in the Linlathen Local Fairness Initiative, have played a pivotal role in shaping the vision for this project. Their feedback and participation in leadership development workshops have directly informed the design and priorities, ensuring the improvements reflect what matters most to those living in the area. A total of 26 people were consulted through an outreach approach targeting households on the periphery of the site across several streets. Outreach engagement at the local food larder and family activity group took place. The majority view was strongly positive, with 25 out of 26 supporting the MUGA and all participants in favour of installing new lights, though some concerns were raised about potential vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Residents suggested including activities like football, tennis, and resources for toddlers, and emphasised community engagement—particularly involving local youth—to ensure the project's success. Local residents were also invited to an open information session through social media advertising and a leaflet drop. There was a low turnout to this information session, however community members were given the opportunity to make objections should they wish. There is evidence of wider community backing for a project of this nature as the improving spaces to play and be physically active was one of the main themes that was reported through the community priorities survey for the Neighbourhood Capital Fund. Linlathen faces challenges such as limited availability of sports facilities, increasing youth inactivity and related health issues along with several data zones in Linlathen falling within decile 1 or 2 in SIMD, indicating very high levels of deprivation.

Local Priority: Create safe outdoor and indoor spaces for young people

Planet Youth is an evidence based substance use prevention model. It is a 10 step process which aims to identify risk and protective factors to build a protective environment for children and young people to grow up in. The work is built around 4 domains - Leisure Time, School, Family and Peer Group. Through working with young people at Baldragon Academy over a series of workshops with V&A, Dundee and examining the Planet Youth data it was identified by both pupils and teaching staff that creating safe indoor and outdoor spaces was a priority. YP have disclosed through the work we have completed that there is a lack of places to sit outside and a limited amount of benches with shelter. We would hope with the approval of this application that we could provide a further three outdoor tables and bench set for the playground. This would allow young people to eat their lunch outside and engage positively with their peers. We would also hope that young people would have had a more positive experience over lunchtime, therefore returning to class in a more relaxed state and are more likely to engage with their in their learning. It was also identified by the young people that there is a lack of sporting activities/resources in the playground. Again, through consultation with the wider school community suggestions have been made to invest in basketball nets and a selection of different sporting equipment for the playground. This again would allow young people to engage in a more positive lunchtime and engage them in physical activity in school and encourage team building activities. The PY data also shows that there is a lack of young people participating in physical activity so therefore by creating more opportunity for them it is likely to encourage them to be more physically active. The YP have also identified spaces in school which they would like to create. The young people expressed that lunchtimes can be busy and there is not enough space for everyone in the lunch hall. After pupils presented to Senior Leadership team, it was identified that there was certain spaces pupils could use in school. The hope is this would create a calmer environment for all pupils in school, it would reduce overcrowding in certain areas of the school. Young people have also asked if they can open different departments at lunch. This again would allow young people to engage in a more positive lunchtime and be with their peers.

In 2023 the Planet Youth survey was completed by S3/4 pupils in Baldragon Academy. The survey focuses on four domains: School, Peer Education, Leisure Time and Family. Baldragon Academy has been working in partnership with V&A, Dundee, Barnardo's with the PY Development Officer to look at the Planet Youth data. A mixture of pupils from across S1-6 examined the different statements that came from the data and prioritised 'safe spaces in school'. With the support of the V&A, the young people went on a ‘safari tour' of the school to identify spaces where they felt safe and not so safe in school. Through looking at the pictures the YP were able to discuss with their peers and professionals what it was they liked and disliked about specific places in school. The young people then created prototypes of spaces they would like to see in school such as: using the fitness suite at lunchtime, having somewhere comfy to sit and making more of the outdoor space. The senior pupils then presented to senior leadership team and at assembly to consult the rest of the school. During lunchtime the group created a ballot where the rest of the school could vote on what spaces they would like to see be developed in school. The school voted as follows: Gaming Room- 50% Outdoor Spaces – 50% Movie lunchtime – 40% Fitness suite – 35% Opening departments – 25% Soft furnishings-25% Junior vs Seniors- 10% Other suggestions – set up sporting activities outside, basketball net and opening upstairs.

Local Priority: Improving local facilities to allow for more social, learning and creative activities

The grant will be used to purchase a container, to be sited outside East Housing Office, that will house both the Community Toolbox and storage for the Food Hub &Freecycle project (which currently runs from the Hub Library). At 45ft long, the container will be spilt into 2 sections, to house both Toolbox and Food Larder &Freecycle services. It will be insulated, fitted with shelving and have 2 separate entrances. The Community Food Hub & Freecycle are a well-established service, run by members of the local community. They currently are based in the Hub Library, but this building will shortly close to the public and the service is planned to move to East District Housing office but need storage space. The Community Toolbox is a new initiative, to be run by members of the local community, which offers local people the opportunity to hire items such as power washers, lawnmowers, carpet cleaners etc at very low cost. Volunteers will be responsible for this project, supported by Wellgate Community Toolbox who will provide insurance and admin support. Both local groups are working in partnership with Housing and Communities Teams through the Linlathen Fairness Initiative to bring vital services to the area. There are many benefits to the local community of being able to provide these services through the grant award – Local people will have access to tools and equipment, on their doorstep and at a very affordable cost. They will also continue to have access to low cost, fresh, healthy food and good quality clothing and household goods at no cost and also the benefit of volunteering and training opportunities for local people and building their capacity to be instigators of change in their community. The Toolbox volunteers also believe that their service will build the capacity of residents to foster a sharing community with neighbours helping each other out e.g hiring a power washer to clear moss off a garden path and then clearing the path of an elderly neighbour. The outcomes contributing to the Community Plan are – "We need a response to cost living crisis" The project is also referenced in the Linlathen Fairness Initiative narrative inquiry recommendations which state that the food larder should continue to ensure people have dignified access to food.

In Spring of 2024, members of the community took part in a Columba 1400 course, exploring both their own development and that of their community of Mid Craigie/Linlathen. One of the outcomes of their participation was that people agreed there was a need for local people to have a service in their community that allowed them to improve homes and gardens at a low cost. This included garden tools, decorating equipment, power washers, carpet cleaners etc. Developing this idea further, local people were consulted on the need for this and overwhelmingly agreed that this would be a valuable service to be able to access locally. The Linlathen fairness Initiative has been successful in fostering a participatory approach with residents involved in budgeting, planning and delivering services such as the community Toolbox project and it is this approach which builds the capacity of people to be leaders of change in their community The Community Food Hub & Freecycle has been running at the Hub library for 8 years and continues to run to full capacity. Local people who use this service have been consulted on the proposal to move it to the East Housing Office, with storage space in the container and have expressed positive responses to this proposal. Food Insecurity is a significant issue in this community which is affected by low-income, long-term unemployment and poor health. In particular, the community of Linlathen contains several data zones which fall within decile 1 and 2, indicating very high levels of deprivation. A recent evaluation of the value of the Food Hub & Freecycle project, carried out with local people was evidenced by the following quotes - ‘Being able to buy a couple of bags of food here every week for £4 is a lifeline for me and my family’ ‘It’s hard to put into words what the freecycle means to me. As a single parent with 4 kids, I rely on being able to pick up clothes for them here, it takes away some of the stress about money’ ‘The money i save by only paying £4 for bags of food and being able to pick up clothes for growing kids means i have more money to pay for electricity and the odd treats now and again’ Being able to continue the Food Hub & Freecycle, and the addition of the Community Toolbox, will ensure that local people can continue to work together to thrive and develop their community.

Local Priority: Urban improvements incorporating environmental seating and shelters

The DISC Target Project is the largest and longest running Evening Diversionary Project in the City of Dundee . It has been running for 23 years . It runs 50 weeks per year , 2-3 evenings per week , and attracts more than 200 Young People though its doors every week. It provides Young people aged 11-19,with a safe , healthy , free and inclusive Diversion activities from Risk taking behaviour , and specifically targets the City's most vulnerable Groups most affected by child poverty . It pro actively targets LAC young people , young carers , young people who don't attend school, young people involved in ASB , unaccompanied child Asylum seekers or refugees or who are experiencing Trauma and mental health problems . Over 70% of the young people attending live within the City's most poverty effected streets and areas. The Project is run outside late at night and provides free food , warm blankets , football boots and warm clothing as a direct response to the food and heat poverty that these kids are experiencing . However they are open to the elements and are often cold , wet unable to stay dry whilst receiving support. OUR PROPOSAL -is that we buy a covered seated enclosure where young people can access our provision all year round but stay warm and dry whilst provided with support , food , warmth and vital support .This will keep our most vulnerable young people safely Diverted with benefits to the whole community . The seated enclosure will be available to all DISC service users 7 days per week (e.g. parents , Morgan pupils during PE lessons and all clubs accessing their local sports centre , thus improving community life and facilities for all . Expected Outcomes: • Increase and improve participants lives accessing learning opportunities facilitated and managed by by Dundee City Council CLD Youth Work (CLD Disc Target Project). • Decrease anti-social behaviour incidents in the community. • Increase number of individuals and groups accessing facilities at DISC. • Improve local Maryfield facilities available for sport and recreation. The outcomes will contribute to the local priority of Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds. The contributing factors will be improvement to the number of individuals accessing sport and recreation learning opportunities facilitated by Leisure & Culture and Dundee City Youth Work provision. This will have a positive influence on the strategic priorities outlined in the City Plan for Dundee 2022-32. With young people being able to access quality sport facilities with no cost helps REDUCE child poverty and inequalities in incomes, education & health.

In the last 6 months , over 250 local young people were consulted in a number of occasions about what would make their community better and what could improve areas of their life . Many of the young people consulted came from areas most effected by poverty.  Access to warmth was important especially in winter months and their access to food at nights was also apriority . Almost all of the young people consulted said that the access to the DISC Target Project was very important to them but because it was outdoors they were cold and wet from the rain and elements. Often they only had one warm jacket which if wet would have to be worn to school the next day . THE SHELTER that we are proposing will seat 50 and will include an area where we can provide warm snacks , shelter and vital support and Diversion from harm.

There has been widespread support from the local community for this improvement in local facilities. It is an example of partners ,local people and service providers coming together to identify potential improvements , but a commitment given to managing , maximising use and maintaining this new facility which has anti poverty outcomes as its core outcomes.  

When it rains, they do not have warm clothing to allow them to take part and often go home cold and hungry. This Youth Shelter would help us reduce the effects of poverty for many local young people,

Local Priority: - Improve outdoor spaces

Provision of new picnic tables and benches at both Trottick Ponds Local Nature Reserve and Templeton Woods. These seating facilities will improve access for all at these beloved local sites and also enhance the experience of local people to enjoy nature in a walkable setting. This has proven benefits for mental and physical health. This funding would also provide a new dipping platform at the pond within Templeton Woods - a resource which can be used by local community groups and schools. We also propose the refurbishment of signage at Trottick: this will help educate visitors about the historical significance and enhance visits. Also requested is funding to purchase fruit bushes for Templeton Woods will improve the range of species at the site, prove visually appealing and can be used as a food resource by local people. Finally, we would also wish to apply for wildlife cameras for recording at these sites. This record will help to survey the animals in the area and will be used to help educate local groups as to what lives within Strathmartine. This technology is not normally within the financial reach of local people and will also allow children, in particular, to use them and monitor local wildlife both at the sites and potentially within other local areas (such as school grounds). All of these projects will be contributing to the local priorities by improving visitor experiences at accessible green spaces within the ward thereby improving health and wellbeing.

Trottick Ponds Local Nature Reserve and Templeton Woods are both well-used visitor sites within the ward. Provision of facilities improve the experience of accessing nature for all those who visit. The signage at Trottick informs of the historical significance of the site thereby instilling local pride and improving local knowledge of in important part of local history. Visitors have spoken to Rangers about the need for these projects, which will improve nature access to all. The need for more seating was identified by local residents, as relayed to the Ranger Service by Community Workers. Both sites are important cultural icons within the city and serve a wide range of people for pursuits such as dog-walking, cycling, community group activities and relaxation within peaceful settings. Templeton also provides a formal cycling track (Templeton Tangle) and toilet facilities during opening hours. The sites draw visitors from all ages and social grouping; both being placed within commutable distances from some of the most challenged areas of the city. The Ranger Service regularly meets with and provides nature education to visitors from Strathmartine at both sites, including community groups and schools.

The Countryside Ranger Service is a well-established service within Dundee City Council's Neighbourhood Services section. Much of our remit is to serve the people of Dundee in educating about nature as well as maintaining the sites we manage as best as possible for the people and other living things there. We have key sites we manage within Strathmartine which are well used by all the people of the area and beyond. These are Green Flag winning sites with a wide range of visitors from all demographics and we feel we can enhance them for local people by the use of the Community Fund. This is a time when the funding within our own department is often hard to access for these sort of projects. It is also a time when people are increasingly under pressure within their own lives and in need of places to relax and enjoy nature. We think that improving the sites and enhancing access to the natural world we are so lucky to have on our doorstep is of paramount importance to the health and wellbeing of our own citizens. The Ranger Service has delivered groups, volunteer events and education to over 600 people already this year within the city. The majority of these have been met within Strathmartine as it is our key area of interaction. With your assistance we can provide more of the same for our sites and for the people of the city.

Local Priority: Improving spaces to increase opportunities for sport and exercise

We hope to purchase and install new portable football goals at our 3G pitch, located at Fairfield Community Sports Hub. The existing goals are worn and heavy, making them difficult to move and unsuitable for the range of activities and age groups who use the facility. The new goals will be lighter, safer, and easier to reposition—improving flexibility for training, matches, and inclusive programming across all user groups. Our 3G pitches are used by people of all ages, from toddlers as young as 18 months to older adults in their 70s, 80s and even 90s. Activities include early years football, youth development, adult 5-a-side, walking football, para football, and mental health recovery sessions. The new portable goals will ensure a safer, more adaptable environment for all, enabling coaches and session leaders to tailor the pitch layout to the specific needs of each group. This project aligns strongly with local priorities by: Improving health and wellbeing: High-quality sports infrastructure encourages people of all ages and abilities to be active, helping to address physical and mental health challenges, tackle loneliness, and build resilience. Supporting inclusion and participation: With easier-to-move goals, we can better accommodate inclusive formats like para football and mental health sessions, creating a more welcoming environment for people who may otherwise face barriers to participation. Empowering young people and families: The pitch is regularly used for sessions that support early years development, youth engagement, and family activity—offering positive pathways through sport. Strengthening community cohesion: As a valued community asset in an area facing economic and social challenges, the Sports Hub plays a vital role in bringing people together. This investment will improve the quality of delivery and open up more opportunities for diverse groups to share the space. By replacing our outdated goals with modern, portable alternatives, we’ll be able to offer a safer, more flexible, and inclusive sporting environment that meets the needs of our community now and into the future. This upgrade will enable us to continue delivering meaningful, accessible, and engaging physical activity for all—from 18 months to 99 years.

Our consultation has included: Feedback surveys and coach debriefs following sessions and block bookings. Engagement with parent groups and carers, particularly around early years and disability sport sessions. Community events and forums where local residents have raised facility improvements as a priority. The need for this investment is also reflected in wider local priorities around reducing health inequalities, supporting young people, and improving access to inclusive sport. As a well-used and loved facility, Fairfield Community Sports Hub plays a central role in addressing these aims—and safe, high-quality equipment is essential to deliver this. The request for portable new goals has come directly from those who use the pitch every day. This project responds to that need, ensuring the facility remains accessible, inclusive, and fit for purpose for all ages and abilities.

The local priorities this will address are:

- Improve safety, accessibility and equipment in outdoor recreation spaces for families and young people

- Improve community facilities to support wider range of projects

At present our children do not get to achieve their UNCRC article 31 - the right to play in a safe and accessible environment. We would like to enhance their play experiences and widen the activities available to them. Having a basketball court and nets will allow us to have an after school club which we currently can't do due to the lack of facilities in and outside of the building. We will also be able to use the equipment and courts during the school holidays to invite families to holiday camps and competitions run by our SFDW. This would improve community facilities to support a wider range of projects and clubs available. Due to our building we are very limited in what we can offer our families and would like to increase and improve the experiences for all.

Funding will be used to pay for:

Goal post on wall x 2 Professional basketball unit x 2  Basketball floor markings Football floor markings  Activity trail floor markings Wall panels for games Activity frame Wet pour flooring

Due to the age and condition of our building we would really like to develop this project. Our children are missing out on play and social experiences due to this. These facilities would allow us to create more after school clubs as well as inviting families to support sessions during the school holidays.

Local Priority: - Improve outdoor play equipment for children

Friends of Clatto is a volunteer group who maintain much of the greenspace, walking areas, wildlife study and information points at the park. We have been working in partnership with Dundee City council Environment team to help enhance Clatto Country park for the local community. The grant will be used to improve the outdoor play equipment for children contributing to the Strathmartine local community plan, by expanding play park equipment to cater for younger children, toddlers and to be more inclusive. The new equipment will include: 1x Pod seat swing 1x Multiplay toddler unit

The Strathmartine Community Empowerment Team undertook extensive community engagement to gather ideas and priorities for the use of a local fund. The engagement process included: • 18 in-person engagement sessions across the Strathmartine ward • 1 online questionnaire made available to local residents • A total of 330 individuals shared their thoughts and suggestions From this process, the second most frequently suggested improvement was the installation of new and improved children's play equipment at Clatto Park. This strong level of community interest highlights a clear desire to enhance the play facilities in this location. Following this, the findings were shared with the Friends of Clatto community group, who agreed to take the project forward into the next stage of development. In addition to the formal engagement, members of the Friends of Clatto group have also conducted informal conversations with families using the park. Many of these families expressed a wish for more inclusive and age-appropriate equipment, particularly for younger children and children with additional support needs. This combined evidence from structured consultation and grassroots feedback clearly demonstrates community support and a locally identified need for enhanced, inclusive play equipment at Clatto Park.

In addition to encouraging healthy lifestyles and physical activity, the outdoor area will foster creativity, social interaction, and a sense of belonging. It will also serve as a vital community hub, strengthening ties among families and contributing to overall community well-being.

Local Priority: Improve accessibility and safety to community buildings

Upgrade of community centre toilets. The centre was opened in 2008 and the toilets have not been upgraded since then. This project would allow the centre to have modern toilet facilities that would benefit everyone using the centre. The community centre encouraged use by other projects and workers from health, education, welfare and many others to provide support for local people and having modernised toilets will make for a more comfortable environment for them. The community centre has regular weekly groups for people of all ages and during school holiday periods and christmas celebration events the number of people using the building and toilets increases hugely. We also have two community cafes that provide free melas and support and information for local households. These visitors would benefit from modern toilet facilities being installed.

The community centre is managed by local volunteers and they speak with local people and centre users to get their views on the centre and how things can be improved for them. The need for toilet upgrade has been mentioned by some of the older people using the facilities and the youth workers have shared that the current toilets are no longer 100% suitable for the young people using them due to signs of damp.

Costs

Removal of existing WCs / Urinals & basin unit/shelf. Supply and install new WCs in female and male toilets and disabled WC in separate disabled toilet area. Supply and install new worktop for new basins. Supply and install new basin mixer taps with. Supply and install 2 new urinals with automatic flush system. Supply and install new wet wall splash back to replace tiles. Supply and install new fold down baby changing unit. Test installation (s)

Ormiston Play Park is centrally located in the heart of Whitfield, surrounded by the streets of Lufness, Craigievar, Pitcaple, Dunrobin, and Cardoness Walk. Positioned within a social housing development predominantly occupied by families, the park is a vital community asset, offering a safe and accessible space for children, young people, and families to play, gather, and enjoy the outdoors. Despite its popularity, the park’s equipment is outdated and in urgent need of refurbishment. Through recent community engagement and consultation, residents have clearly expressed the need for improvements. Key priorities identified include the installation of equipment suitable for pre-school children, the addition of inclusive and accessible play features, picnic benches to encourage family use of the green space, and repairs to existing well-loved equipment.

The redevelopment will not only improve physical infrastructure but also foster stronger community connections, promote outdoor activity, and support early years development. The inclusion of picnic areas and improved signage will further encourage families to spend time in the park, strengthening social ties and promoting well-being.

This project directly supports local priorities by addressing the significant levels of child poverty in the North East of Dundee, where 36% of children live in poverty, higher than the city average of 31% (SIMD 2020). By enhancing the quality and inclusivity of Ormiston Play Park, we aim to provide a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment for children of all ages and abilities, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We have linked with Stakeholders such as Primary Schools, Parent Councils, Tenants Community Empowerment Team, Early Years Educators, to ensure there is no duplication of work and to ensure we are enhancing current assets. Angus Housing Association, a registered charity and the landowner, is committed to supporting this initiative. However, due to financial constraints, we are unable to fully fund the redevelopment independently. We are therefore seeking external funding to bring this community-led vision to life. This project represents a meaningful investment in children, families, and the wider community, creating a more inclusive, engaging, and vibrant public space for all. The association has undergone extensive outreach through a Microsoft Forms questionnaire to gather feedback regarding what equipment and improvements should be made. This included targeted door knocking in the surrounding areas of the play park. We also attended the North East Campus during school finish times to facilitate more engagement and feedback. Additionally, this was sent out on our social media platforms and distributed through emails and text messages to tenants and the wider community for completion. On Monday, May 2nd, which was a school in-service day, we aimed to maximize feedback and engagement while schools were closed. We held a picnic in the park event from 11 AM to 1 PM as another way to engage with individuals. Here, we invited children and families to complete the questionnaire and assist with designing a sign and notice boards for the park, which was successful.

Investing in our proposed play park will not only enhance the community’s recreational offerings but also provide a safe and engaging environment for children and families to thrive. By fostering physical activity, social interactions, and imaginative play, we are nurturing the well-being of our youth and building stronger community bonds. We believe that with your support, we can create a vibrant space that will be cherished for generations to come. Together, let’s make a lasting impact on our community by turning this vision into reality.