Spark the Park began in October 2023 to ‘bring to life’ underused green spaces and open discussion about these spaces with community members and decision makers.
In Tranent we have been working in the space between George Johnstone Centre and Lindores Drive, running a series of events to explore different uses of the space. The events are playful, inclusive and everyone is welcome.
By working with artists, musicians, storytellers and providing food, we have created a vibrant set of events. Children, families, community members and passers-by join us to explore, linger and play in the space.

 

On this page:

  • Location Information
  • Playful Summer 2023: Schedule
  • Playful Summer 2023: Breakdown of Activities

 

Location Information

CLICK HERE to view information about the green space

 

 

Spark the Park Summer 2023 Schedule

 

Breakdown of Activities

The ELPA play ranger team will always be there with a wide range of exciting play resources including den building kits, hammocks, chalks, silent disco headphones, pots & pans, sensory resources, shelters & more.
On some days we have special activities planned, including visits from special guests and partners. Please note that there may be some tweaks or changes made to the activities or timings listed below.

 

Wednesday 19th July

  • Drumming Workshops: Learn some simple rhythms and hand drumming techniques with Nick in partnership with East Lothian Council Arts Service. Afternoon workshop slots will be bookable in-person on the day.
  • Nature Art Activities: Get crafty with Art Buds in the afternoon.
  • PlayJam: Join the Tranent Library team for outdoor jamming and sticky fun from 2pm.

 

Thursday 20th July

  • Quiet Session: provided by PlayCan from 10.30am – 12.30pm.
  • Bookbug: With Tranent Library from 11am – 11.30am.

 

Friday 21st July

  • Nature Art Activities: Get crafty with Art Buds in the morning.
  • Fruity Friday: Make your own smoothie using the bike-powered smoothie machine provided by Sustrans.
  • Picnic: Bring a picnic and stay to play. Some food will also be provided by The Fraser Centre.
  • Storytelling: With local storyteller Russel McLarty from 12pm-12.30pm.
  • Mindfulness Drop-in Session: With Marge Mather from 12.30pm.

 

Wednesday 26th July

  • Circus Skills: Whatever age, skill or ability: circus is for you! Come and join our Circus workshop-space to learn a new skill, have a laugh, challange yourself, achieve something new and leave with a smile on your face.
  • Dr Bike: Free minor bicycle repairs from Sustrans. Mechanics will check bikes and, if a minor repair is needed, get them fixed up. Larger problems will be given “a Drs note” with recommendations for follow up work.
  • PlayJam: Join the Tranent Library team for outdoor jamming and sticky fun from 2pm.

 

Thursday 27th July

  • Quiet Session: From 10.30am – 12.30pm, provided by PlayCan.
  • Bookbug: With Tranent Library from 11am – 11.30am.
  • Relaxation Session: In the afternoon, provided by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity in the afternoon.
  • Singing Lessons: With play ranger Charley in the afternoon.

 

Friday 28th July

  • Fruity Friday: Make your own smoothie using the bike-powered smoothie machine provided by Sustrans.
  • Picnic: Bring a picnic and stay to play. Some food will also be provided by The Fraser Centre.
  • Storytelling: With local storyteller Russel McLarty from 12pm-12.30pm.
  • Mindfulness Drop-in Session: With Marge Mather from 12.30pm.
  • Cardboard City: Build a city made from recycled cardboard with ELPA play rangers.

 

Wednesday 2nd August – National Playday 2023

  • Drumming Workshops: Learn some simple rhythms and hand drumming techniques with Nick in partnership with East Lothian Council Arts Service. Afternoon workshop slots will be bookable in-person on the day.
  • PlayJam: Join the Tranent Library team for outdoor jamming and sticky fun from 2pm.

 

Thursday 3rd August

  • Quiet Session: provided by PlayCan from 10.30am – 12.30pm.
  • Bookbug: With Tranent Library from 11am – 11.30am.
  • Indian Wellness: Mindful Indian Arts with Karen from Theiya Arts and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

 

Friday 4th August

  • Fruity Friday: Make your own smoothie using the bike-powered smoothie machine provided by Sustrans.
  • Picnic: Bring a picnic and stay to play. Some food will also be provided by The Fraser Centre.

 

Wednesday 9th August

  • ELPA Craft-ivities: With ELPA play rangers.
  • PlayJam: Join the Tranent Library team for outdoor jamming and sticky fun from 2pm.

 

Thursday 10th August

  • Quiet Session: provided by PlayCan from 10.30am – 12.30pm.
  • Bookbug: With Tranent Library from 11am – 11.30am.
  • Play Talk Read: Fun and playful activities that can easily replicated at home, all with the aim of encouraging families and friends to enjoy spending time together.
  • Silly Sports Day: With ELPA play rangers.

 

Friday 11th August – The Big Celebration

  • Fruity Friday: Make your own smoothie using the bike-powered smoothie machine provided by Sustrans.
  • Picnic: Bring a picnic and stay to play. Some food will also be provided by The Fraser Centre.