Children at ALC Aberdeen’s Little Learners Nursery in Tillydrone can now enjoy an upgraded outdoor play area thanks to a generous £11,500 donation from three local supporters.
The Lord Provost’s Charitable Trust, energy company TAQA UK, and the Trades Widows’ Fund Charity came together to fund the installation of high-quality artificial grass at the nursery, which is based within the city’s Tillydrone Community Campus.
The new surface has already had a transformative impact. Where outdoor play was once limited by muddy conditions and poor weather, children can now safely play, explore, and learn outside all year round in a clean, accessible environment.
Angie Johnston, ALC Aberdeen’s charity manager, said: “Outdoor play is an essential part of early learning, supporting children’s physical development, creativity, and wellbeing.
“In the past, wet weather often made the garden muddy and slippery, limiting how much time children could spend outside.
“Thanks to this generous donation, we now have a safe, clean surface that children can enjoy all year round, and it’s already made a real difference to their daily experience.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this improvement possible.”
Artificial grass offers several benefits for nurseries, including durability, low maintenance, and safety. Unlike natural grass, it remains mud-free and level, reducing the risk of trips and falls. It also encourages more frequent outdoor activity, which is key to supporting children's physical health and well-being.
This latest development follows an earlier donation from local business Infinity Partnership, which enabled artificial grass to be laid at ALC Aberdeen’s Dill Road nursery. Both projects now ensure that children across the charity’s two nurseries have access to safe, high-quality outdoor play areas.
Commenting on the work that ALC Aberdeen carries out, Aberdeen’s Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron said: “"I’m incredibly grateful for everything ALC Aberdeen does to support children, young people, and families in Tillydrone.
“The charity’s commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments like the newly improved outdoor space at Little Learners is truly inspiring.
“It’s a privilege to see charitable donations going to such a dedicated organisation making a real difference in the community."
ALC Aberdeen operates its two early years nurseries as part of a wider programme of childcare, youth development, and family support services.
Improvements made to both its locations reflects ALC Aberdeen’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities and safe spaces for families across the Tillydrone area and beyond.
For more information about ALC Aberdeen visit www.alcaberdeen.org