GALA'S biggest and best ever playpark has been given the thumbs up by children, parents and even a couple of VIPs.

Around 2,000 excited kids as well as mums and dads enjoyed Saturday's grand opening of the £290,000 facility.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend and international swimmer Beth Johnston were given the honour of cutting the ribbon at the new Rowan Boland Playpark.

And both were impressed with the facility.

Former Gala player Townsend has fond memories of the Public Park - and admits a change of direction on the grassy pitches next to the new facility helped him to reach the top of the game.

He said: "I have great memories from being here in this park as a youngster.

"I played rugby for the first time in this park as a five year old at mini rugby.

"I was a scrum half to start with and then they moved me to fly half - thank goodness they did as I would never have made it as a scrum half.

"Even as a teenager I would often be down here at the park, whether it was for the shows or just to hang around with my mates.

"It's great that it hasn't been neglected and there are regular improvements being made, whether it's the skatepark or this fantastic new facility we see here today."

Townsend, who went onto earn 82 caps for Scotland and make two appearances for the British and Irish Lions, believes it is vital to invest in outdoor equipment to encourage the next generation of sports stars.

The 45-year-old added: "From a sporting perspective, it's important to get people away from their television and computer screens and enjoy the outdoors.

"There are so many options for staying indoors these days you need to make it attractive to come out and play - parks like this certainly help."

Also given the honour of opening the new Rowan Boland Playpark was teenage swimming sensation Beth Johnston.

The Galashiels Academy pupil has recently returned from competing at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

And she is currently aiming for further inclusion in the British and Scottish swim squads for other major championships.

Beth took a morning out of her busy training schedule to help cut the ribbon.

She told us: "I know the park so well having played here lots of times, but all the new equipment makes it so much better.

"It's easy not to go out and just do stuff in the house, so it's important that we have great parks to let you socialise and have fun with your friends.

"And this is a great park."

The new park is named after Rowan Boland, who tragically died in April 2010 while playing at Gala Cricket Club, aged just nine.

Rowan was enthusiastic for all sports and in honour of his memory his family established the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust which provides help and support for young sportspeople in the Scottish Borders.

They have supported hundreds of young sportspeople in the last eight years, with Beth Johnston one of their grant recipients and Gregor Townsend an honorary patron.

A commemorative cairn and interpretation panel about the Trust was also unveiled by the two VIPs along with the Boland family.

As well as marking the opening of the new play park, Party in the Park was also raised funds for Rowan Boland Trust and Radio Borders Cash for Kids, who also help local young people in the region.

The fundraising was kickstarted by a £500 donation from both play park contractor HAGs and AM:PM Catering for each charity.

The day was also celebration of young people, with Live Borders present with their big bouncy inflatable and assault course, along with football activities and cycling and a chance to try a range of sports.

Council leader Shona Haslam revealed that the Rowan Boland Playpark will be the first of many across the Borders.

She said: “I confirmed at the opening ceremony that the council will invest £3.1million of additional funding in facilities such as the Rowan Boland play park in other communities across the Scottish Borders.

“With concerns about young people being inactive and the growing issues of childhood obesity, it is important that the Council invests in good quality facilities in all our towns and villages to get young people active and provide better opportunities.”

Saturday's party involved many organisations, including Gala Rotary Club, NHS Borders Healthy Living Network, the police, fire and ambulance services, the council's Green Dog Walking and Education teams, Borders Book Festival and Borders Buses.

Entertainment throughout the day was provided by children's entertainer Billy Stewart, the Borders Vintage Automobile Club, entertainers Gus and Oli, Riddell Fiddles, Gala Ex Services Pipe Band, Gala Town Band and the Borders Boogie Bus.

Judith Cleghorn, chair of Galashiels Community Council who jointly organised the Party in the Park event alongside SBC, commented: “We have had a marvellous party in Galashiels, firstly raising money for two local charities and providing a fun packed day for young people and their families.

“The Rowan Boland Play Park is a huge boost to the town, and will hopefully be enjoyed by generations of young people and certainly from the reaction today everyone was excited and impressed by what has been achieved.”