Cuthill Park Consultation

During March to May 2014, the Friends of Cuthill Park engaged with the community in Prestonpans and sought their opinions via social media, printed media, face-to-face meetings with community groups and schools.

Through their partnership with the Prestoungrange and Cuthill Tenants & Residents Group (PCTRG), 400 surveys were delivered to residents of North Bank Road, Rigley Terrace, Acheson Drive, Drummore Drive, Prestongrange Road, Prestongrange Terrace, Bellfield Square, County Square, County Road, Inchview North, The Pottery & North Grange Avenue.

• 72 online responses were received
• 66 paper copy responses were received (from schools/youth groups)
• Surveys to PCTRG will be analysed separately by the Council.

Thank you to everyone who responded!

Over 75% (50 of the 66) youth respondents said they have not been to the park before. 

This differs significantly from the 30% (22/72) online respondents who had never been.

The main reasons given for not visiting the park were:

• Wasn't aware of it
• Nothing of interest

The main reasons given for visiting the park, in order, were:

• To take part in an event
• To play, sledge, ride bikes etc
• For some fresh air
• To walk the dog

Other responses included “To Take Photographs, enjoy the amazing job of the Wild flowers, this encourages great wildlife” and “to have a look and see if it was an appropriate space for an exercise class”

From the online surveys, the main incentives given for visiting the park in future, in order, were:

• Seating
• More information about events and activities
• Better paths
• Play equipment
• Exercise/fitness equipment
• Shelter

From the youth surveys, the main incentives given for visiting the park in future, in order, were:

• Play equipment
• More information about events and activities
• Seating
• Exercise/fitness equipment
• Shelter
• Better paths

Other responses included: a barbecue area/fire pit (mentioned 4 times); dog walk area and clubs for children, woodland walk & “cleanliness - dog mess and litter not acceptable”

When asked whether park equipment should reflect the peaceful, rural nature of the site, the results were: Quite Important, Very Important, Not Important (both)

When asked whether park equipment should be connected to the history of Prestonpans, the results were: Quite Important, Not Important, Very Important (online) & Not Important, Very Important, Quite Important (youth)

When asked whether park equipment should be inclusive, with no upper age limit, the results were: Very Important, Quite Important, Not Important (both)

When asked whether park equipment should be different from other local playparks, the results were: Very Important, Quite Important, Not Important (both)

When asked whether park equipment should make use of the contours/gradients of the park, the results were: Very Important, Quite Important, Not Important (online) & Quite Important, Very Important, Not Important (youth)

Respondents were asked to select 5 preferred items from a list. The results, in order of popularity were:

(Online)

– Maze

– Seats

– Fort

– Rock-climbing

– Swings

– Tables

– Tunnels

– Trim Trail

– Trampoline

– Amphitheatre

– Shelter

– Storytelling Area

– Hide

– Puzzles

– Slide

– See-Saw

– Sandpit

– Exercise bike

– Rowing machine

– Boulders/rocks

– Ramps

– Stage

– Musical toys

– Ski-walker

– Telescope

– Mirrors

– Talk tubes

– Magnifying post

(Youth)

– Trampoline

– Maze

– Rock-climbing

– Fort

– Ramps

– Tunnels

– Swings

– Trim Trail

– See-Saw

– Ski-walker

– Sandpit

– Seats

– Mirrors

– Puzzles

– Slide

– Amphitheatre

– Boulders/rocks

– Shelter

– Storytelling Area

– Stage

– Tables

– Talk tubes

– Exercise bike

– Rowing machine

– Musical toys

– Telescope

– Hide

– Magnifying post 

 

Other suggestions included: Flying Fox, wildlife/nature information boards and a full outdoor gym.

Comments received :

“A wildlife sanctuary!! A pond would encourage Dragonflies. I have been to a park, with the outside “Gym/Exercise equipment, they are great fun and can suit all ages. ”

“Something for dogs ”

“make this park attractive for children ”

“To make it more family, child friendly, making it inclusive as it has been more exclusive to those and such and such ”

“Mining theme for play equipment. Locked gates at night. No dogs ”

“If I was to use the park for an exercise class I would be looking for benches, steps or walls, some form of shelter (for people to leave their bags while exercising), some open space, decent paths...... ”

“It would be nice to have an area that can be used by all ages and for a variety of purposes. That offers something that doesn't already exist elsewhere in Prestonpans. ”

“I would like to see kids and adult equipment - for all ages- to encourage community use of the park ”

“A pond ”

“A roll run for little children down the bank. ”

“wasn't sure if it was a public park or not”.

“its a beautiful park and think it should be enticing to all especially for picnics etc”

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to respond.   We will pass this information to East Lothian Council who ultimately make the decision on how to spend the £87k in the budget for Cuthill Park.  We will, of course, keep you updated on progress but rest assured, we, The Friends of Cuthill Park, have listened to you and noted what you say!

Thank you!