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You are here: Home / Blog / Expansion of Falkirk Wheel Waterplay Zone set to make a splash

Expansion of Falkirk Wheel Waterplay Zone set to make a splash

Hydrozorbs, water cannons, model boats, a giant map of Scotland and a paddling pool are just some of the exciting activities in Phase 2 of the popular Water Play zone at The Falkirk Wheel, which will open in Spring next year it was announced today (Monday 20th October).

Falkirk Provost, Pat Reid, and P3 and P4 children from nearby Easter Carmuirs Primary School celebrated as the first sod was cut on the site of the 150m2 water-based play area which will sit opposite the 35 metre high Falkirk Wheel.

Scottish Waterways Trust raised £430,000 for the expansion, which has been funded by grants from Avondale Environmental (£300,000), The Veolia Environmental Trust (£65,000) and WREN (£65,000).

These three grants have been awarded through the Landfill Communities Fund. This vital source of funding lets waste companies retain part of their Landfill Tax bill and distribute it to community and environmental projects.

It is hoped that the innovative new outdoor play and education space will be as popular as Phase 1, attracting more visitors to The Falkirk Wheel, which is one of Scotland’s top ten attractions, welcoming over 400,000 people a year.

Phase 1, which opened in June 2011, features a mini canal, Archimedes Screw and an outdoor classroom designed to help children explore the principles of water displacement and gravity and how people around the world source and move water.

Designed to celebrate the history, geography and role of Scotland’s canals, the new water play zone will centre on two new pools one of which will include a giant map of Scotland made of natural stone and featuring the country’s five canals.

Visitors will be able to play with hydrozorbs (large inflatable balls) and water dodgems on the larger of the two pools.

The smaller of the pools will feature a gently sloped beach edge so people of all ages can paddle in the shallow water.

Visitors will also be able to steer model boats from the water’s edge or from on top of the map of Scotland, manoeuvring their craft through the miniature canals complete with model lock gates and a rotating bucket wheel representing The Falkirk Wheel.

As well as exploring where the five canals flow and how they and The Falkirk Wheel work in context, children will be able to clamber over the map, discovering the peaks and valleys of Scotland, the geographical fault lines and cities and major settlements.

Both pools will feature natural stone edging and steps leading up to a timber viewing terrace where visitors will be able to view the Wheel, watch the activities or even spray one of the fixed water cannons at passing hydrozorbs and dodgems.

Marking the occasion, Falkirk Provost, Pat Reid, said:

“This is another step towards the reshaping of the Falkirk area as a ‘must visit’ destination for visitors as well as a welcome additional attraction for local children and adults. Scottish Waterways Trust, Scottish Canals and their funding partners are to be congratulated for their bold, exciting initiative.”

Karen Moore, Chief Executive, Scottish Waterways Trust, added:

“We wanted to create something special for the local communities and schools of Tamfourhill, Camelon and the wider Falkirk area as well as visiting tourists and the Water Play Area has been a phenomenal success.

“On any day you can see people of all ages messing about and enjoying the interactive elements, having fun and learning a little about the historical and cultural importance of Scotland’s canals along the way.

“The second phase will give visitors the chance to play and learn on the water and it will be a fantastic amenity for the Spring and Summer months. Indeed, the Water Play Area is fast becoming a really unique attraction and we’re already looking at how, with further funding, we can introduce winter activities such as a natural ice rink when the weather is cold enough and snow zorbing in the future.”

Steve Dunlop, Chief Executive of Scottish Canals, concluded:

“The Falkirk Wheel is one of Scotland’s top tourism attractions and the expansion of the incredibly popular water play area will offer visitors yet another reason to take a trip to the world’s only rotating boat lift.

“The 200-year-old canal network played an integral role in the history of Scotland and this project will give visitors, no matter what their age, the chance to engage with that rich heritage while enjoying some water-based fun.

“Whether they’re indulging their inner boatmaster and steering model barges through mini canals, taking to the water on floating dodgems, or learning about the elegant engineering behind the Wheel itself, there will be no shortage of things to see and do. We look forward to welcoming the public to the water play area next year - but advise them to pack a change of clothes!”

Scottish Waterways Trust carried out a local public consultation on concepts for Phase 2, which was designed by HarrisonStevens.

Construction of the extension will be carried out by Mackenzie Construction.

Issued on behalf of Scottish Waterways Trust by Joanna Harrison, mobile 07884 187404.

10th October 201411th November 20141
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The Caledonian Canal was built between 1804 and 1822. It was designed by Thomas Telford and represents a remarkable feat of engineering. Bona Lighthouse was built around 1815 to designs by [...]

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The Caledonian Canal was built between 1804 and 1822. It was designed by Thomas Telford and represents a remarkable feat of engineering.

Bona Lighthouse was built around 1815 to designs by Thomas Telford. Inland lighthouses are uncommon in Scotland and the stunning oriel bay window, which once held the light that guided ships from Loch Ness onto the Caledonian Canal in its heyday, remains the focal point of the cottage. The octagonal shape of the building closely follows the types of design Telford used elsewhere for tollhouses.

Join our Canal Officer for Cultural Heritage for informal talks and guided tours of Bona Lighthouse which don’t need to be booked in advance.

Scottish Canals has recently refurbished the building which can now be booked as a holiday let.

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Architect: Thomas Telford
Building Date: 1815 approx

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(Saturday) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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Kenneth Street, Inverness

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Volunteer and become a “citizen scientist” to help us discover more about the plants growing on the canalside in Edinburgh. Join us on this free wildflower survey where you can [...]

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Volunteer and become a “citizen scientist” to help us discover more about the plants growing on the canalside in Edinburgh. Join us on this free wildflower survey where you can develop your plant ID skills, make new friends and have fun.

Surveys are led by Anna Canning of Floramedica.

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(Saturday) 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

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15sep - 20sep 1510:00 amsep 20Glasgow Doors Open Days: The White House InnExhibition in Maryhill's oldest building

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The history of Maryhill’s oldest building is deeply linked to the Forth & Clyde canal, with its origins as a public house selling groceries and alcohol to locals and to passing boatmen. There will be an exhibition for visitors, detailing the history of the building and the canal.

The White House is an important early historical landmark in the Maryhill area. It was built in the late 18th century, around the time of the construction of the west side of the Forth and Clyde Canal, the oldest and the longest canal in Scotland, which was completed in 1790.

The White House Inn was built as a public house for those using the canal network – it even served as Maryhill’s first post office. It is situated at the head of Maryhill Locks, near where the main canal joins the spur to Speirs Wharf.

Throughout the week, the building will host an exhibition by Scottish Waterways Trust, detailing the history of the canal in the area.
The White House is now occupied by cycling charity Free Wheel North, who will be organising rickshaw rides along the canal towpath during the Doors Open Day weekend.

Discover Glasgow’s Industrial Heritage: The White House, Maryhill, has played an important role in the history of Scotland’s canal network. In 2015, newly repurposed as a cycling hub which takes advantage of the extensive network of canal towpaths and river walkways, the White House is still relevant to how people of the area think about transportation.

Opening Times - Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm

Access - Full Disabled Access

Facilities - Disabled Toilet, Toilets, Refreshments Available

Nearest Train or Subway Station(s): Maryhill, Kelvindale & Summerston
Parking: Car Park Available On-Site – Free of Charge
For more information: http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com/event/white-house-inn/

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15 (Tuesday) 10:00 am - 20 (Sunday) 4:00 pm

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Gemma Wild

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Lambhill Stables, 11 Canal Bank North G22 6RD
20sep11:00 am- 5:00 pmGlasgow Canal Water Taxis from Lambhill StablesTake a guided boat trip along the canal as part of Doors Open Days

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Take a trip along the Forth & Clyde Canal and explore its rich industrial heritage. You will travel through the wildlife corridor that is the canal in North Glasgow.

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Event Details

Take a trip along the Forth & Clyde Canal and explore its rich industrial heritage. You will travel through the wildlife corridor that is the canal in North Glasgow.

A route to link the Firths of Forth and Clyde by canal had been raised on several occasions. After much debate and deliberation over different schemes, construction of the privately-owned Forth & Clyde Canal was approved by an Act of Parliament in March 1768. The canal was designed by John Smeaton and completed in 1790.

The 35-mile long canal served as a trade route between east and west, carrying coal and other commercial goods between Scotland’s towns and cities. It was to be large enough for seagoing vessels to develop links with trade in Europe and America.

At a time when the road network was limited and generally in a poor condition the canals offered an alternative means of transport that was efficient, relatively fast and tailored to the needs of the growing industrial sector.

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These and many other historic sights will be highlighted by the on board guides.

Tour Times

Sun 11am & 3pm; 2 hours

Advanced Booking Essential. Booking opens at 10am on Wednesday 26th August 2015. Details of how to book will be updated on this webpage shortly. Please be aware that Doors Open Day events are very popular and will book out quickly.

Please book on the Doors Open Days website: http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com/event/glasgow-canal-water-taxi-from-lambhill-stables/

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Limited Disabled Access
There is access for the ambulant disabled into the boat. Access is by steps down onto the foredeck. There may also be a step up to the boat.

 

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Nearest Train or Subway Station(s): Possil & Parkhouse

Parking: On Street Parking Available – Free of Charge

 

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(Sunday) 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Lambhill Stables, 11 Canal Bank North G22 6RD

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[email protected] / 07795 315434

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