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Participatory budgeting

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Inclusive Play Area Improvements @Friends of Clatto Park

2025-07-31  •  No comments  •  Jennifer Kincaid Dcc  •  Strathmartine

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.

£45,700
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BeFriends Stobswell Communication Boards

2025-07-30  •  1 comment  •  Jennifer Kincaid Dcc  •  Maryfield

Local Priority - Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds

We hope to install communication boards in four local parks within the Stobswell area of Dundee: Malcolm Street Park, Baxter Park, Crescent Street Park, and Wee Forest. Communication boards are inclusive tools featuring symbols, words, and pictures that help individuals—particularly non-verbal children, people with speech or language difficulties, and neurodivergent individuals—communicate effectively in public spaces.

This grant will fund the design, production, and installation of durable, weather-resistant communication boards in each of the four locations, ensuring a lasting and visible improvement to public spaces in one of Dundee’s most disadvantaged areas.

This project directly supports community inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing, aligning with local priorities around improving public spaces and supporting vulnerable groups. The communication boards will make these parks more welcoming and functional for a wider range of users, fostering meaningful participation for families, carers, and individuals who are often excluded from full engagement in community life. This initiative is targeted to Stobswell West as highlighted in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation as experiencing significant levels of poverty and social disadvantage.

The key outcomes of this project will include: Increased accessibility and inclusive use of public spaces Enhanced support for children and adults with communication difficulties Stronger community cohesion through more inclusive design Direct engagement with families living in poverty who may otherwise face exclusion from mainstream services

High ASN prevalence among youth in Dundee According to Scottish Government data, approximately 33.4% of primary pupils and 48.7% of secondary pupils in Dundee are recorded as having at least one ASN. Nationally, about 40.5% of all Scottish schoolchildren have identified ASN. 

Social isolation among young people The Scottish Household Survey (2020) found that 48% of 16–24-year-olds reported feeling lonely at least some of the time. Additionally, the UK’s Office for National Statistics notes that 11.3% of children aged 10–15 say they “often” feel lonely; rates are much higher (27.5%) for those on free school meals. These figures highlight a clear need for initiatives that foster connection and inclusion outside the school environment.

Inclusive play spaces as a solution Installing communication boards in local parks is a practical, low-cost intervention with proven benefits: they support non-verbal or anxious children in expressing needs, understanding park features, and engaging socially. Such enhancements can reduce stress, encourage family outings, and help build peer and community bonds—counteracting both social isolation and exclusion.

Area-specific relevance Our target neighbourhood, Stobswell West, is among Dundee’s most deprived zones (per SIMD). Families here often lack funding for private supports, making improved public amenities vital for young people and those with ASN.

Community-informed need Discussions with local parents, ASN support professionals, and community workers have consistently flagged that recreational spaces lack the visual and communication supports needed for meaningful use by children with ASN. This aligns with both the local demographic reality and national well‑being data.

As the applicant, I bring both professional and personal commitment to this project. I currently work as a Youth Coordinator for a local learning disabilities charity, where I support young people with a range of additional support needs to build confidence, develop life skills, and participate in their communities. I also volunteer with Befriends, a charity that supports children and young people through one-to-one befriending and group activities. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the barriers many families face when accessing public spaces and the importance of small, practical changes that can make a big difference.

This project would directly benefit the young people and volunteers involved in Befriends. Many befriending matches meet in local parks, but for children with communication or sensory needs, these outings can sometimes be overwhelming. Communication boards would provide much-needed support, helping young people express themselves, follow routines, and feel more confident in outdoor environments. They would also give befrienders additional tools to help guide conversations and build relationships.

In addition, this initiative would complement the work being done in local schools, particularly through Enhanced Support Areas (ESAs), where children with significant additional needs receive tailored educational support. Communication boards in the wider community would help reinforce what is being taught in schools and create greater consistency between education and leisure environments.

This project is grounded in lived experience, informed by direct support work, and designed to meet a clear local need. It supports inclusive play, strengthens community connection, and empowers young people with additional needs to take part in everyday life with greater ease and dignity.

We’re excited about the opportunity to deliver a simple but powerful change in our local parks—we believe this project can be a stepping stone toward a more inclusive, welcoming community for everyone.

£7,648
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Floor projector for the Yard, Dundee

2025-08-01  •  No comments  •  Jennifer Kincaid Dcc  •  East End

Local Priority: 

- Improving local facilities to allow for more social, learning and creative activities

- Improving local playparks and greenspaces

Since 1986, The Yard has supported thousands of disabled children and families through inclusive play and family support, guided by the belief that disabled children deserve equal opportunities to build confidence, make friends, learn new skills, develop their independence, and most importantly, have fun. We are currently renovating our Mid Craigie support centre to accommodate the growing number of families that are approaching us for support. Approximately 37% of our current members in Dundee live in the East End in deprived areas like Linlathen and Mid Craigie, where 20% of young people aged 0-15 have a long-term health condition or disability (Census 2022). This represents a significant intersection between disability and poverty, and a real need for low-cost support services likes ours that blend whole family wellbeing support with accessible play activities. This renovation will improve access to a much-loved local play space through more fit-for-purpose facilities and the introduction of new services running throughout the week. In addition to the social, learning and creative activities that disabled children will be able to access through play, parents and carers will also benefit. Through on-site family support activities, such as peer support groups, educational workshops, a community larder and more, they can meet and learn from others in similar situations, discover creative new ways to support their child, build confidence, and feel less isolated. Through this development, we hope to go from supporting 337 families per annum to approximately 500 by the end of 2026. Funding from the Dundee Neighbourhood Capital Fund would fully fund the purchase of a portable interactive floor projector, for flexible sensory play around the centre. Sensory play is popular among all who attend The Yard, and it has been recognised as a vital component of childhood development. However, it is particularly beneficial for the many children who visit The Yard who are autistic and/or have sensory processing difficulties. This floor projector will provide opportunities for sensory play and relaxation outwith our dedicated sensory room, making the benefits of sensory play more accessible to all. It is pre-loaded with 300 interactive games and activities, including team games that promote social interaction. Moreover, as transitions can also be difficult for many autistic and other neurodivergent children, a portable floor projector would also be used to ease transitions in and out of the centre by giving them something fun to focus on as they arrive and leave.

We have delivered services in Dundee since 2015, after local families told us that there were few accessible leisure and social activities for their disabled child within their area. Since then, we have established our service and reputation, building partnerships with other local organisations, both in the East End and across Dundee more broadly. For example, we are integrated into the Linlathen Fairness Initiative, a Scottish Government funded pathfinder project aimed at reducing poverty in Linlathen. The renovation of our Mid Craigie centre follows an extensive consultation period, which started back in 2017 with the commissioning several independent evaluation reports, with one report focusing specifically on how we could better meet the needs of the local community. Within this report, consultants interviewed 13 parents and carers and 17 external stakeholders (public and third sector professionals), and delivered a workshop with 10 pupils with additional support needs from Kingspark School, in order to identify our priorities for service expansion and the design of the new centre. Through this process, they identified that “families want a bigger, more extensive service that would continue the non-judgemental and empowering environment while opening up to a more diverse range of children.” More recent conversations with families using our Dundee service revealed that transitions between activities were a common challenge for many children. We carried out some research into resources we could use to help families with these transitions and found that a portable floor projector could be a good solution. Upon discovering that these projectors often include a wide range of interactive games, that could encourage our families to connect with one another through shared play and teamwork, we decided that it would be an invaluable addition to our new space.

£8,034
Current Garden

Improvement to playground community space

2025-06-16  •  3 comments  •  Balgarthno Campus  •  Lochee

We are seeking funding to transform a neglected and unsafe area of our community playground in the Lochee Ward—an area identified in the most deprived 10% of the Scottish population according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2020. We are seeking funding to transform a neglected and unsafe section of our community playground into a vibrant, welcoming, and safe space for children and families. The current area is overgrown, with broken planters and uneven surfaces that pose safety risks and limit use. Our goal is to replace the hazardous terrain with tarmac for safer play, while retaining pockets of greenery and installing buddy benches to promote family gatherings and community cohesion. Working alongside the school, the Balgarthno Parent Council are excited to try and enhance this area for all the school children and the local community.

A portion of our community playground has become increasingly unsafe due to overgrown vegetation, damaged and unstable planters, and poorly maintained ground surfaces. This area, once intended for communal use, now poses trip hazards and restricts children's ability to play freely and safely. Families often avoid the area, diminishing the overall appeal and function of the playground.

Proposed Solution:

With the requested funding, we will:

  • Clear the overgrown vegetation and remove all hazardous structures, including broken planters.
  • Tarmac the surface to create a smooth, even, and safe area suitable for a range of activities and accessible to all children, including those with mobility challenges.
  • Retain some grassy areas to maintain a natural feel and support biodiversity.
  • Install buddy benches to encourage longer visits and community interaction.
  • Add bright, cheerful colours to enhance the space visually, making it more engaging for children.

This revitalisation will:

  • Improve safety and accessibility for all children.
  • Provide a safe space for children and families to play together.
  • Encourage outdoor play and physical activity.
  • Foster community spirit by creating a shared, inclusive space for all residents.

By enhancing this area of the playground, we will create a safe, attractive, and functional space that benefits the entire community. The transformation will ensure the playground remains a cherished asset for years to come, promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and play.

£52,562
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Finmill Community Centre Outdoor Space Improvements by Finmill Management Group

2025-08-01  •  No comments  •  Jennifer Kincaid Dcc  •  North East

The outdoor space at the Finmill Centre needs updates to improve safety, especially for children and those with mobility issues. To make the area safe, welcoming, and accessible, it needs seating, sensory equipment, planting, safe play equipment, fencing, and new surfaces. Currently, the tarmac surface with small stones is unsafe for children, toddlers, and people with mobility issues. Although there is a ramp, it leads to rough surfacing, which is unsuitable. The area lacks welcoming spaces for the community to sit, chat, or play. The Finmill cafes exist, but outdoor areas with safe seating are inaccessible for people. The local priority indicates a desire for such amenities. Children's groups could use the space for outdoor play, enhancing learning in nature. This enclosed play area would offer safe spaces for all children, including those with additional needs. Families can spend time together outdoors without safety concerns. Adults can enjoy the café and outdoor seating, improving mental health and wellbeing. The outdoor space will encourage community interaction and connections. These improvements align with local priorities and promote greater community engagement.

A local community survey revealed a desire for a safe and welcoming outdoor space at the Finmill Centre, suitable for families. The local playgroup and youth and family groups reported safety concerns, indicating the urgent need for improvements. The playgroup has deemed the current surfacing unsuitable for young children to play on, or use bikes, scooters, or prams. Children with ASN would benefit from a sensory area with equipment that aids their development. The family group which supports parents with children with additional support in many areas, have expressed they would like a nature-connected area with a sensory garden and safe play zones. Such an environment is crucial for children's development, fostering expression and creativity. The survey indicated that a safe, welcoming outdoor space would enhance community engagement and encourage its use.

The outdoor area should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone to use, from young children to adults. It should be a space to be creative, encourage curiosity particularly amongst children and promote wellbeing. A sensory space for all to use and enjoy, building positive relationships across the ages and throughout the community.

Funds would be used to pay for mud kitchen, play panel, balance block, seating, picnic table accessible, picnic table recycled plastic, sensory mirror leaves, sensory flower mirrors, sensory planting, Buddy bench, resurfacing, bins 

£29,911
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Community Toolbox and Food Hub & Freecycle Container- DCC Housing

2025-08-01  •  No comments  •  Jennifer Kincaid Dcc  •  East End

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.

£15,000
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New portable goals for Fairfield Sports Hub

2025-08-01  •  No comments  •  Jennifer Kincaid Dcc  •  East End

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.

£9,840
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Morgan Academy's Sensory Garden Project

2025-07-25  •  No comments  •  Jennifer Kincaid Dcc  •  Maryfield

We have a garden at school which is not used, and we want to develop this as a play space with a teepee/shelter with bright cushions, an outdoor area with stepping stones, and other play equipment, seating areas, colourful and inviting art and interactive stations on the wall and fence, garden and planting area for flowers and vegetables. This will allow more physical activity, be a safe and inviting space and for well-being and regulation. The garden needs cleared and developed to make it a space which is accessible to all. Some support for learning pupils- due to their specific needs cannot use Baxter Park as an outdoor space as we have done in the past. There are currently three pupils with significant additional support needs, but there are more pupils coming over the next few years, so there is a long-term need to develop this area. 

The area will be accessed mostly by the Support for learning department and by much a wider group of pupils within the school, in science and for pupils taking personal development awards. After speaking with the science department, and some pupils they said they will use it to study different plants and animals. SFL Pupils have looked at the area and through consultation with them have decided on what they would like, their feedback was that the garden needed tidied up and they would like some more things to play with, a nicer place to sit and more things to do. Mr McBain the Head Teacher and I have both attended community meetings in Arthurstone library, for the consultation. 907 school pupils or young people took part in the online survey which was open to all young people in Maryfield as part of the Neighbourhood Captial Grant process and undertaken by Dundee City Council's Community Empowerment Team in Maryfield. All schools in the area took part and a large majority of respondents were school pupils. The results are as follows and clearly evidences the wish for a better school playgrounds, more seating, and outdoor learning spaces- all of which this project would provide at Morgan Academy. This clearly shows the project is supported by school pupils, and young people within the local area.

Funds would be used to buy a wooden shelter, wobble bridge, benches, planters, cushions, plants, sensory toys, cost for construction and installation cost of clearing some of the garden, - Additional sheet sent with the break down of costs.

Students from D&A college garden department to be contacted to help with gardening. Community payback contacted to possibly clear the garden. Senior pupils in school can help with the garden, clear up and maintenance. Staff and pupils will be involved in the planning and location of equipment.

£10,000
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DISC Project Shelter Installation for Young People

2025-07-30  •  No comments  •  Jennifer Kincaid Dcc  •  Maryfield

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,

£15,200
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Multi Use games Area and  sports facilities at Glenconnor, Linlathen

2025-08-01  •  1 comment  •  Jennifer Kincaid Dcc  •  East End

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.

£80,000