Catherine Street Inclusive Park and Garden opens in Dumfries

The Dumfries community got to try out the new-look Catherine Street Inclusive Park and Garden on Monday.

It was officially opened in time for the February half-term school holiday.

The charity, Include Us, raised almost half a million pounds to fund the regeneration project which has transformed a tired town centre playpark into the multi-use facility which can be enjoyed by all ages and all abilities with safe pathways, sociable seating, imaginative and inclusive play equipment and space for activities and storytelling.

Dr Andy Zieleniec cuts the cake with Connor and Zander. (Jim McEwan)

Its chairman, Dr Andy Zieleniec, said: “It’s been a long journey but we have realised the dream of many to have an inclusive and accessible park and community garden in the heart of Dumfries.

"We hope this will be a much loved and used resource for everyone in the community regardless of age or ability.”

A community garden, complete with sensory planting, raised beds and newly planted, native trees, will also feature win the Catherine Street site and Include Us is planning a programme of activities.