Strathclyde Country Park is located in Lanarkshire, Scotland. The 4 km² park is situated next to the River Clyde and is firmly established as one of Scotland’s leading centres for outdoor recreation. The park offers many amenities and attractions including water sports, on land activities such as mountain biking, football and horse riding, new children’s play areas and is most recently known as the site for Scotland’s theme park M&Ds.

Funding was awarded to renew the play area at the Motherwell (East) end of the park to create a natural play area which complemented the woodland surroundings. This park is set within surrounding footpaths and nature trails so our Robinia range was a perfect fit to this site.

Following Jupiter Play site visits with our Area Sales Manager, the North Lanarkshire’s Landscape Services Team worked closely with the Jupiter Play design team to select the products that would best suit their design specifications. Chris Smart, North Lanarkshire Council’s Landscape Architect was passionate about creating a natural play space and wanted to enhance existing features such as the run down shelter and the mature trees. Additionally new mounding and logs were used to enhance the grounds.

‘I was impressed by the Jupiter Play Robinia from my first visit to an existing site. It is like no other in terms of sustainability and quality and the site has already been nominated for awards due to its unique characteristics.’ (Chris Smart, Landscape Architect, North Lanarkshire Council)

The landscape team choose Robinia wood for many reasons. Robinia timber is one of the few species growing in Europe that is classified as resistance class 1. In addition, our Robinia is put to the test through a tough pre-treatment process involving a lengthy 3 year rest time, removal of bark, sap and knots and cross bolting to prevent the timber from splaying. Chris chose Jupiter Play Robinia timber based on these reasons to ensure that his build could provide long term strength, a natural feel and a great finish.

Clyde Park now features a wide range of equipment including a 30 metre double cable way, pendulum swing with basket, seesaw, rope bridge, climbing logs and a large rope and timber unit named Ape’s Palace! This range of equipment allows multiple play value for children of all ages. ‘Ape’s Palace’ is a large unit which enables many children to play together whilst testing their balance. The rope baskets allow inclusion at different heights for children of all abilities. Similarly, the rope end swing encourages children to work together to improve balance and challenge their fears of falling!

Problems and solutions

The park is now open and has been very popular in the summer season. Due to the prolonged dry season, the landscapers are working hard to keep the grounds in perfect condition. There have been no reported issues with any equipment on site and the children are really enjoying their new space during the summer holidays!

Organisers are awaiting the arrival of a new entrance sign to the play park before holding an open day event at which Jupiter Play will be present to support the project.