Council programme to improve play facilities is in full swing
Posted on 8 Nov 2023
A major investment in North Ayrshire Council’s play facilities will see fun and fitness activities being made available to even more children and adults.
As part of an ongoing drive to boost inclusivity for everyone, the Council is revamping all its play parks, with improvements, repairs and modernisation already carried out at 45 play parks with an additional 30 playparks currently scheduled for improvement work.
A variety of equipment - including nest swings, cradle swings, sensory panels and climbing frames – has been installed and these vary from area to area.
Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “We are introducing accessible seating and outdoor gym equipment to promote play for all – not just children.
“This is important as play improves mental health for everyone. We have equipment that is suitable for adults as well as children, and this will help keep people of all ages active and encourage them to enjoy being outdoors.”
The improvements are being paid for through a combination of money from the Scottish Government Capital Allocation for Renewal of Play Parks scheme and Council funding.
Over a five-year period, from 2021 to 2026, a total of £1.39million Scottish Government funding will be invested in inland play facilities, while the Council is spending £500,000 in coastal areas.
Feedback from residents and community groups about the work that has been carried out by the Council’s Streetscene team so far has been positive, especially about the level of inclusive equipment being installed.
The Streetscene team, which is part of Neighbourhood Services, has liaised with communities to find out what their needs are and discover which equipment will work well in certain areas.
A public consultation exercise that encouraged residents to have their say on play facilities across the six Localities was a success, attracting almost 1000 responses.
The Council follows and respects The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to ensure that all children’s rights are respected and that they are free to learn, play and develop.
Article 31 of the Convention states that each child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities – and the programme to improve play opportunities for all is a great example of this being put into practice.
Children at Ardeer Primary School in Stevenston enjoy using the equipment at nearby Shore Road Playground, and Headteacher Anne Surgenor said: “It is vital for children’s development – and their happiness - that they are able to play in a safe environment.
“Play encourages them to make friends, spend time outdoors and keep active. And this investment in play parks helps them to learn and thrive.”
The Council’s website https://tinyurl.com/z89j2jsd details where the play parks are and allows you to make suggestions about inclusive play and report any concerns.
Plans are in the pipeline to update the site, so residents can also see which equipment each facility offers and whether it is accessible.
You can see the full list of UNCRC articles here in a user-friendly graphic: https://uni.cf/2P2l0ZZ