Children and families enjoy new playpark upgrades

Children and their families have been taking advantage of updates to local playparks in Kilwinning and Irvine. The welcomed playground upgrades have been unveiled at Bourtreehill Playpark and Eglinton Country Park.

Each of the popular outdoor playgrounds have been assessed and upgraded by the council’s Streetscene team and refreshed to create exciting spaces that are more accessible and inclusive for all.

Funded by the Scottish Government’s Capital funding programme with support from Eglinton Country Park’s fund, the upgrades are the latest of several playpark upgrades across North Ayrshire since 2021.

Completely revamped, the new additions to Bourtreehill Playpark, located just a few minutes’ walk from the main bus route and village include:

• An obstacle course with stepping stones, climbing stilts and rope walk
• Impressive tower slide with wobble bridge, climbing wall and low-level hammock swinging seats
• Accessible bench for wheelchairs, strollers and prams
• Dynamic single-user dish roundabout and sculptural spinning platform
• New freestanding swing seat
• Motorbike wobble seat
• Wheelchair and stroller accessible roundabout with seating for children
• Engaging Neurodivergent games boards at main entrance
• Protective playground surface underfoot for added protection
• Re-painted and upgraded basketball court

One child shared: “I love how high up the slide is because we didn’t have one before! I really am king of the castle!”

Then, over at Eglinton Country Park, in the main playpark just a stones’ throw from the main visitor car park and Tournament café, children can enjoy:

• A new, impressive multi-sensory climbing dome
• Kaleidoscope-inspired sensory play boards for sensory exploration
• Low level climbing options for all abilities to hone their skills
• Wheelchair accessible toddler play corner with small slide, interactive clock and number boards to encourage imaginary play and learning
• Improved perimeter fencing
• Neurodivergent boards for non-verbal members of our communities

Eglinton Park will welcome other improvements in the coming months as maintenance on other pieces of equipment is currently underway.

The popular playground at Eglinton Park has also been complimented by parents and carers, with one sharing: “I like it because there’s a lot more for the children to do now and something for all ages.

“It feels safe too because there’s perimeter fencing added in and the new equipment is also very inclusive and has added variety and excitement for children visiting the country park. It’s really nice to see it all freshened up and everyone having fun exploring the new options together.”

Improvements to the playparks are part of North Ayrshire Council’s wider investment strategy to make all play facilities in North Ayrshire more inclusive and accessible.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “Bourtreehill Park and Eglinton Country Park become the latest of our 94 play facilities to be improved by our Streetscene team who are taking a phased approach to create safe and accessible environments for residents of all ages to enjoy, play and exercise.

“Well done to the children and families who have helped to spread the word about the welcome improvements. Thank you also to the Streetscene officers who have worked on this project and to the local schools, communities and visitors to each of the playparks who have had their say in our recent consultation about what they wanted to see improved. Stay tuned for more updates.”

Check out our social media post for a photo gallery of the new upgrades.

Published: 03 November 2025