A new, state-of-the-art, multi-use leisure space – the culmination of a five-year regeneration initiative – has opened in Springhall.
And now that the £465,000 ‘Cage’ is open for everyone to enjoy, community activists are warning that local residents will not tolerate vandalism and littering at the new facility on Cruachan Road, after complaints about discarded rubbish and damage to swings.
Over the last four years, Healthy n Happy Community Trust has worked with residents, a landscape architect and partnered with South Lanarkshire Council in order to bring the community vision to life.
And although Springhall community councillor Barry Cathie expressed his disappointment at recent damage to play equipment and discarded lunch wrappers, he insists that will not take the shine off the long-awaited opening of the multi-use space.
“The park is a brilliant new facility and the area’s young people will benefit from it greatly,” he said.
“There are members of the community who are willing to give up their time to help look after the park, but misuse and vandalism of the new facility will not be tolerated.” The Cage has a play park, multi-use ball game area, an innovative and interactive ball games wall with skill challenges, an outdoor gym, attractive greenspace and planters ready for community growing.
There are also plans for a storage unit for sports equipment and seating.
Alison Black, from the Springhall Community Resource Group, enthused: “We’ve worked so hard for this redevelopment.
“We’ve listened to what the community said they wanted and brought them an amazing playpark, games area, growing space and so much more.
“What we have now is a million times more than what we had envisaged at the beginning and we cannot thank everyone enough who has been involved, especially South Lanarkshire Council who have been a huge support in this project.”
Rebecca Haack, operations director at Healthy n Happy added: “Given how important outdoor spaces have become during Covid-19, the timing couldn’t be better.
“It provides a safe play and sports area, as well as somewhere to sit and enjoy meeting friends, family and neighbours.
“We encourage everyone to go and enjoy this fantastic local space.”
