WORKS for a new Borders play park are now under way, with builders hoping the site will open before the summer.

The facility at Allerley Well, in Jedburgh, is one of the new destination parks developed by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) in recent years.

Since 2021, new play equipment has been installed in Peebles, Newtown St Boswells, and Duns as part of a more than £4 million investment in the region.

Designed by Wicksteed Leisure, and costing £250,000, the new Jedburgh site is expected to open in May this year.

An SBC spokesperson said: “Work is now under way on the new Allerley Well Play Park in Jedburgh. The accessible-for-all play park will include over 20 separate items, including a central multi-play item, which features a 6.5m long double width slide and a locally inspired climbing rockscape feature.

“The £250,000 investment covers an area of 920 square metres, which will be surrounded by fencing and wet-pour safety surfacing.

“Weather permitting, completion is expected [by the] end of May.”

According to an artist’s impression, the play park could include a climbing rockscape, a bespoke rugby ball springie, as well as swings, climbing frames and slides.

A new skatepark is also expected to be opened in Jedburgh this year, costing around £270,000.

A £77,000 play park is also planned for Reston.

As part of the ongoing investment in play parks, Earlston is set to receive a new facility in the period 2023/24 – costing £300,000 – and Eyemouth will see a new development, costing £450,000, in the period 2025/26.