Article published on 21 July 2026
A new £190,000 Roman-themed play area has opened at Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness. This has transformed the existing site into an inclusive destination inspired by the nearby Antonine Wall.
Falkirk Council invited four companies to submit proposals for the regeneration of the play area, located near Duchess Anne Cottages. The brief called for a high-quality and accessible space that would reflect the area’s heritage while providing exciting play opportunities for toddlers, juniors and teenagers.
A Unique Roman-Themed Play Area for All Ages
Following community consultation and a public vote, Proludic’s design was selected as the winning scheme, securing 46 per cent of the 367 votes cast.
The completed play area celebrates 2,000 years of Roman history through a range of themed equipment. Its centrepiece is a bespoke wooden Roman Fort tower standing more than six metres high. The structure offers 19 different play activities, including climbing, sliding, sensory features and imaginative role play. The multiplay unit can also accommodate up to 36 children at once!
Young visitors can climb the tower to defend the Roman fort (J49201), race down its stainless-steel slides or travel across two cableways while imagining themselves as Roman messengers crossing a fortress.
Other features include:
- a Roman Outpost (J49174)
- a Roman Chariot springer
- a battering ram rope swing (J499)
- and a Centurion head-hole panel.
The site’s much-loved vintage rocking horse has also been restored and retained, preserving a feature that has entertained generations of local families.
Despite the many challenges caused by the wettest weather in memory, we managed to work through and complete the project before the school summer holidays.
Stewart Wallace, Estates Management Officer, Falkirk Council
Inclusive play was an important part of the design. An accessible roundabout, trampoline and variety of swing seats allow children of different ages and abilities to play alongside one another. Across the full site, the equipment can accommodate up to 110 users at one time.
Installation was complicated by prolonged heavy rain, which caused difficult ground conditions throughout the construction period. Despite the challenging weather, the project was completed and opened in June 2026.
The new play area combines local history, inclusive design and adventurous play, creating a distinctive community attraction that celebrates Bo’ness’s connection to the Antonine Wall.
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