Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
On their marks
New sports park opens for community
Calderbank’s new running track and multi-purpose 3G pitch have now officially opened up for action.
The £ 25,000 facility at Park Road was created following a community consultation, involving New Calderbank regeneration group, the village’s environmental group and its two primary schools.
Officially named Calderbank sports park, it was opened at a ceremony which saw local youngsters Charlie Scullion, Shaye McGraith and Grant Colquhoun receive prizes after triumphing in its naming and poster design competition.
School pupils gathered to take part in fun activities run by North Lanarkshire’s active schools team to mark the opening, and were joined by councillors and community representatives.
Park steering group member Sharon Scullion said: “We wanted a facility that would bring all generations together and regenerate an area that was unused for a number of years.
“This is a project which had the community at its heart and we now see the culmination, which will have a positive impact for everyone.
“I’d like to thank the steering group, council staff and both primary schools, whose support for the project has been tremendous.”
Council leader Jim Logue carried out the official opening of the park – for which the budget included funding from the local development programme which is overseen by Airdrie and Villages local area partnership.
He said: “This will become a muchloved community asset for Calderbank and will have so many positive outcomes for local schoolchildren and for the wider community.
“It was made possible as a direct result of North Lanarkshire Council working in partnership with the local area.”
Calderbank Primary acting head Johanne Gardner said: “This is a wonderful facility to bring the community together.
“The pitch and running track are incredible assets which will be used to support Curriculum for Excellence and enhance learning.
“We look forward to enhancing the children’s experiences of physical activity and are sure we’ll see an increase in both their physical and mental wellbeing.”
Sarah Bowman, the head teacher at nearby Corpus Christi Primary, agreed: “We’ve been looking forward to the opening of the new 3G pitch and running track, which will bring enhanced facilities to the village.
“It will encourage children to try out different sports and various athletics activities, and hopefully inspire them to become the athletics stars of the future!”
Competition winners Charlie Scullion, Shaye McGraith and Grant Colquhoun are pictured (front) showcasing their winning contributions at the opening day.
They are seen with ( from back left) Calderbank Primary acting head Johanne Gardner, council leader Jim Logue, Airdrie South councillors Paul Di Mascio and Michael Coyle, community partnership manager Matt Costello, Airdrie South councillor Ian McNeil, Joe Canavan of Allsports Construction & Maintenance, steering group member Gayle Cornes and Corpus Christi head teacher Sarah Bowman.