voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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FVA Staff Volunteer at Riverside Park for Volunteers' Week
Created: 05/06/2025
News/Events Category: FVA News
This item will show under the following categories: Volunteering
The FVA staff volunteers with David Cooper (centre in blue), Chairperson of Friends of Riverside ParkTo celebrate Volunteers' Week 2025 some of the FVA team volunteered at Riverside Park in Glenrothes to pick litter and collect stones from grassy verges.
Hosted by Friends of Riverside Park, we were given instructions by their Chairperson David Cooper, who also took time to chat to us about all of the changes that have been made to the park.
We spent the day in the park picking litter and collecting stones and boulders that were on land where grass will be grown. The stones mean that the grass can't yet be laid, so it's an important step for the continuous improvement of the park.
We had a brilliant time, enjoying the newly transformed park, volunteering, and enjoying a picnic lunch.
FVA's Sandie and Cara on stone collecting dutiesTalking about the recent developments at Riverside Park, David Cooper explained how the work began, saying "There's been minimal care of the park in recent years, and we had a list of around 50 improvements we wanted to make. We're grateful to Fife Council who secured a Levelling Up grant for us and their Project Manager, Lisa Edwards, was a powerhouse and worked with us to see what was needing to be done."
Our Employability Development Manager, Dorothee, on litter picking dutiesWhile a lot of the work is clear to see, David is keen for people to understand the hidden work that's been undertaken. David said "We drained and dredged the pond. In some places it was less than six inches deep so the swans couldn't land. If we hadn't done anything, the pond would have become unusable to wildlife within two years. The pond is now 15 - 20 feet deep in places and has been rebuilt beautifully.
"A lot of paths were eroded near the river and they've been set back and re-laid. Steps have been put in with hand rails and we've created disability-friendly paths."
FVA's Rory collecting stones and bouldersThe jewel in the crown according to David is the £1 million children’s play park. The pump track which has been installed is one of the biggest in Europe and it's already drawn in thousands of children and adults from all over the country. The park was also host to an international disc golf event recently, and someone flew over from New Zealand to take part.
The park's facilities have also been transformed. There are toilets in the park for the first time ever, overnight parking for caravans and camper vans, and electric vehicle charging points.
Chris and Rhiannon litter picking on the stepping stones in the burnThe transformation of Riverside Park is testament to the power of collaboration, community, and volunteering. Friends of Riverside Park is a passionate group of volunteers who empower others to improve the park for everyone in the community.
David's own personal success was getting the stepping stones put back in the burn.
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Our Volunteering Development Officer KatyaWhat are Friends of Riverside Park most proud of in their transformation of the park? David said "The park's come alive again and I got a very moving message from a parent who said she remembers the park from 30 years ago when it was full of happy children's sounds and she's delighted that it's returned. That's what it's all about."
Volunteer with Friends of Riverside Park
Interested in helping out at the park? You can find out more on their Facebook page or e-mail [email protected] to join their volunteers' mailing list.
When you've joined the mailing list you'll receive e-mails about upcoming events and sign up to take part.
They're also looking for new committee members to ensure the next generation can enjoy the park.
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