Thursday August 6th 2026
Councillor Colin McGinn along with local children and representatives from the council’s Amenity Services and Road Services teams, Connected Communities Fa’side, and Choose Play (East Lothian Play Association) at the opening event
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Local children attended the official opening of a new play area in Tranent.
The facility, which has been named the Crookston Willow Play Area, is located on greenspace off Lindores Drive behind the George Johnstone Centre.
The main area features equipment for a range of ages and abilities including a flying fox (cableway), ‘hammock seat’, a selection of swings, a wheelchair-accessible seesaw and roundabout, and a climbing frame unit and climbing net structure. New seating and benches along with sections of rubber safety surfacing to improve accessibility and inclusivity have also been added.
A much-loved willow tree now forms a scenic backdrop for the playpark while the creation of a circular seat around its trunk has made it a key feature. A second nearby area boasts ‘play-on-the-way’ wooden climbing as well as balance and stepping- stone structures to enhance the greenspace immediately to the south which links towards the Tranent Wombles’ community garden.
As part of a wider revitalisation project, East Lothian Council’s Active Travel team in Road Services secured grant funding from SEStran (South East of Scotland Regional Transport Partnership) to upgrade an overgrown access track adjacent to the play area. The track, which was previously inaccessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and bikes, has been transformed into a new 4m-wide path with seating alongside.
The construction of the play area was undertaken by the Play Squad within the council’s Amenity Services team.
Designed to be a challenging, exciting and inclusive space for toddlers to teens, it was funded by a Scottish Government Playparks Renewal Funding allocation.
Councillor Colin McGinn, the council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, joined the youngsters at today’s opening event. He said:
“I can see what a wonderful time the children are already having here. The community wanted a new play area to serve north-eastern Tranent, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to deliver a brand-new facility close to Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School and the town centre.
“I’m so pleased the community, and most importantly those who will use this play area, were given a central role in shaping its design and I hope they’re happy with the results.
“As well as the excellent work of the council’s Amenity Services team, I’d like to pay tribute to Choose Play (East Lothian Play Association) who were a huge help in gathering opinions, particularly from local children and young people, to ensure the final layout met local needs.”
A six-week public consultation was held asking residents what they would like to see incorporated into the design. Views were also sought on a suitable name, and the Crookston Willow Play Area realised a wish for the local area and the beloved tree to be reflected.
The play area represents Phase 1 of the redevelopment of the greenspace which was already being used by Choose Play for a popular summer programmes of pop-up events. Phase 2 will involve biodiversity enhancements such as wildflower, tree and hedgerow planting, and could also involve establishing a community growing space.
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