Play is vital when it comes to children’s rights

School children have spoken about the joy they get from playing – especially outdoors in Council-run play parks.

Young people at St John Ogilvie Primary School, in Irvine, are big fans of the recently-upgraded Bourtreehill Play Park.

The facility is a short walk from the school and children of all ages are enjoying the results of last summer’s revamp, which included the addition of:

• an obstacle course with stepping stones, climbing stilts and rope walk
• an impressive tower slide with wobble bridge, climbing wall and low-level hammock swinging seats
• an accessible bench for wheelchair users, strollers and prams
• a dynamic single-user dish roundabout and sculptural spinning platform
• a freestanding swing seat
• a motorbike wobble seat
• a wheelchair and stroller accessible roundabout with seating for children
• engaging neurodivergent games boards at the main entrance
• a protective playground surface for added protection and
• upgrades and fresh paint at the basketball court.

The facilities were assessed and upgraded by the Council’s Neighbourhood Services’ Streetscene team and have been refreshed to create exciting spaces that are more accessible and inclusive for all young people.

St John Ogilvie Primary School P3/2 pupil Laila, aged seven, said: “I like playing outside because I like running about and playing all my fun games. I like going out with my friends, and we usually go and get the ice cream truck.”

P2 pupil Jesse, aged seven, is a big football fan and said: “I like playing football. If there is a ball, I’m going straight into that! I like going outside because you get to play football and you can go on the swings.”

Last year 1km walking loop, called Bourtreehill Park Woodland Trail, was created at the park by the North Ayrshire Ranger Service with support from Neighbourhood Services staff and the North Ayrshire STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) team.

Pupils were involved in creating the trail along with Bourtreehill charity Children First, and Councillor Collier added: “It is fitting that local school children were involved, and they came up with some brilliant ideas for the trail. It is vital that our young people have a voice and are encouraged to use it.”

The Council follows 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.

The Convention has 54 Articles, covering all aspects of a child’s life, including Article 31: the importance of Rest, play, culture and arts – which the Councils’ investment in play parks is a fine example of.

Over a five-year period, from 2021 to 2026, a total of £1.39million Scottish Government funding will be invested in inland play facilities across North Ayrshire. This funding has been supported by an additional £500,000 of Council investment in coastal areas.

P7 pupil Emily, aged 12, commented: “I think in our school all the Rights are met because when we are trying to achieve awards, for example, we look through them all.

“And when we are doing our Articles of the Fortnight, we think back to our school has met the rights – and we have, pretty much, met them all.”

“I think children should be heard for the rights, and every child should have the right to play and relax,” added P6 pupil Grace, aged 11.

Published: 30 June 2026