Over the last 12 to 18 months, Fife Council has invested £5 million from the UK Government to turn what many may have once considered an underused asset into a must-see destination in the town centre.

The investment turned Riverside Park into a vibrant, inclusive space for the community and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.

At the heart of the transformation is a new £1m adventure playpark. But that’s just one of a whole host of new features designed to improve the park and its surroundings.

Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council spokesperson, finance, economy and strategic planning, said: “Riverside Park is more than just a park — it’s a place for connection, health, and happiness — and this investment has helped realise its true potential. It helps Glenrothes offer new reasons to visit the town centre.

“We’ve worked with the Friends of Riverside Park in the design and delivery of this project to build on the strengths and ambitions of people in the area, and the park’s regeneration means more locals and visitors can make full use of the park and its facilities which can only be a good thing.

“We’re thrilled to provide a space where people of all ages can come together, enjoy nature, and create lasting memories.”

Councillor John Beare, convener of Fife Council’s Glenrothes Area Committee, added: “The new park now boasts some fantastic play equipment, green spaces for people to enjoy and links beautifully to the town centre and the surrounding areas.

“It’s been fantastic to see so many families making use of the facilities already in recent weeks and I’m confident people will continue to come from miles around to see what all the fuss is about as we move into the summer months.

“We have delivered a park that local people will love to use time and time again and created an asset that the local community can be proud of.”

The new £1m savannah-themed play area in the east of the park is proving hugely popular and features a range of play equipment, including a homage to Glenrothes’ long-standing association with hippos.

A state-of-the-art 125m x 60m pump track has been constructed, fully accessible and capable of hosting international competitions, and there’s also a kids’ cycling track, the relocated labyrinth, and a new Disc Golf course – with Riverside Park now featuring on the national UDisc app.

Around four miles of pathway regeneration works have been undertaken, including the construction of new routes and the upgrading of existing paths to improve connectivity throughout the park. Indeed, the changes are such that Riverside Park will soon be home to its very own free, weekly 5k Parkrun for the first time.

The park’s iconic pond has undergone significant rejuvenation through dredging and land maintenance, while over 4,000 trees and more than 400,000 bulbs have been planted as part of an extensive woodland management programme.

Car parks have also been resurfaced and extended, new toilet facilities have been created, and there have been improvements to the B969 River Leven Bridge.

In addition to funding secured from the UK Government, Fife Council also committed money from the Scottish Government’s Place-Based Investment Programme towards the project.

Local transport minister Simon Lightwood MP commented: “Riverside Park is a brilliant example of how targeted investment can transform public spaces. With £5m from the UK Government, Glenrothes now has cycling and pedestrian facilities that work for everyone.

“Projects like this make it easier for people to get active, stay healthy and enjoy where they live – and that’s good for communities and the NHS alike. Fife Council and the Friends of Riverside Park deserve real credit for delivering a space that brings people together and offers something for all ages and abilities.”

David Cooper, chair of the Friends of Riverside Park community group, concluded: “Riverside Park has, at last, become the ‘jewel in the crown’ of parks that we always knew it could become.

“After 13 years of volunteering and campaigning with Friends of Riverside Park to make the park better for the whole community, it is heartwarming for us to see the park flourish.”