A new £225,000 'destination' play park at Parklea in Port Glasgow has officially opened, transforming a previously unused plot next to the community stadium into a modern play space for children.

The site includes accessible and inclusive equipment, with a castle, boat and train, climbing frames, swings, a seesaw, spinners, a trampoline, somersault bars, a zipline and three play panels designed for youngsters of all ages and abilities. Picnic benches are also provided.

The scheme was led by Inverclyde Council and delivered by specialist manufacturer Kompan Scotland. Councillor Michael McCormick, the council's convener of environment and regeneration, helped open the park, with his grandson Alfie, four, among the first to try the new attractions alongside his cousins Georgia, 10, and Amelia, 12.

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Cllr McCormick said: "The play park is incredible. It complements and enhances the existing facilities at Parklea and will become a destination for young families to enjoy a nice day out right on their doorstep."

"It's especially nice that the play park has been completed in time for the start of the school summer holidays."

Work on the play park began in April and was completed ahead of the official opening on Friday 3 July 2026.

Port Glasgow grandad William Mooney visited with his grandson, Frazer Mooney, six.

He said: "It's fantastic – a great use of the area and a superb facility."

The Parklea play park takes inspiration from the popular play area at Lunderston Bay, which opened in 2022 following a £200,000 investment.

Parklea is also home to a community sports stadium, grass and all-weather pitches, and horticultural charity Parklea Branching Out and its Branches Café, which opened in 2024. Walking and cycling routes link the site to Kelburn Park and on to Newark Castle and beyond.

For more information about things to do and see in Inverclyde, visit discoverinverclyde.com.