Work has begun on the Catherine Street inclusive park and community garden. The park is sited on the corner of Academy Street and Catherine Street in central Dumfries.

Managed by local charity, Include Us, the park aims to be accessible to the whole community. Include Us’ vision is to break down barriers to inclusive play and community activity by creating accessible greenspace, for play and recreation, for all ages and abilities to share.

The small, Dumfries-based charity has raised over £450,000 to realise their dream for this urban woodland site. Following a successful community asset transfer bid, (the group now has a 100-year lease from the Local Authority) the eight-week build began in September and the new improved park is due to open in November. Find out  on the Catherine Street Inclusive Play Park Facebook page or the website 

The park has been designed to offer better accessibility with safe pathways, sociable seating and imaginative and inclusive play equipment with space for activities and storytelling. A community garden complete with sensory planting, raised beds and newly planted, native trees will also feature within the Catherine Street site to enrich biodiversity.

 Dr Andy Zieleniec, Chair of Include Us said: "Previously, the site had limited access and biodiversity. We will be planting a wider range of trees, bushes, herbs, flowers and other plants to attract a wider range of wildlife. The park will be a green oasis for wildlife, and the whole community, right in the heart of Dumfries town centre"