Global Recognition for a Small Scottish Play Park
A small play park in Scotland has received international recognition as a model for creating urban public spaces designed specifically for children.
The Catherine Street site in Dumfries is featured in a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that highlights exemplary practices worldwide.
Other locations mentioned in the report include Medellin in Colombia, Cairo in Egypt, and Sao Paolo in Brazil.
The team behind the inclusive park in southern Scotland expressed their delight at being acknowledged alongside such a diverse global selection of sites.
The report was jointly published by the WHO, Unicef, and UN-Habitat.
It showcases "exemplary initiatives" that promote children's rights to "safe, inclusive and accessible public spaces."
The Dumfries park is listed alongside projects in Thailand, Lebanon, and South Africa.
Origins and Development of the Park
The park's story began nearly ten years ago when families with children who have disabilities sought accessible play areas where their children could play alongside siblings and friends.
This need led to the renovation of the Catherine Street site, which now includes a new circular pathway, turfed grass areas, flower beds, accessible seating, and sensory play features.
A wheelchair swing and a wheelchair-accessible roundabout were also installed to create what has been described as a "community centre without walls."
The project has been supported by numerous volunteers, partners, and external funders throughout its development.
In 2019, Dumfries and Galloway Council approved a community asset transfer, which facilitated the realization of the park's "inclusive community vision."
Recognition and Impact
The report commended the park for its strong community involvement, sensory-rich play opportunities, and accessibility features.
The park's approach exemplifies a "small-scale, high-impact transformation" that could be replicated globally.
Dr Andrzej Zieleniec, chairman of Include Us, the organisation that operates the park, welcomed the recognition.
"I think it is amazing that a wee park in Dumfries has come to the attention and been recognised in such a prestigious report," he said.
"Being featured in this report positions Catherine Street Inclusive Park as a significant contribution to global thinking on inclusive urban design.
It demonstrates how local, community‑driven initiatives can inform international policy and practice."
Lisa Callander-Bone, the park’s development manager, described the honour of being included in the report.
"It demonstrates that when communities come together with purpose and imagination, we can create places that change lives, not just here in Dumfries, but as part of a wider global story about inclusion, equity and children's rights," she said.
"This accolade is for all who have supported our inclusion vision."
