Play park plans could swing into action soon
Campaigners hoping for £50k boost from council
A campaign to transform a run down play park is on the verge of banking a huge cash windfall from Renfrewshire Council.
Elderslie Community Council has been developing plans to breathe new life into the dilapidated facility in Queen’s Road and has already raised around £10,000.
And now – if given the go ahead by councillors on Tuesday – local authority bosses will hand the group a mammoth £ 50,000 of grant funding towards the project.
A report, which will be presented to the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, states: “Community fundraising activities have already raised £10k.
“This fulfils the requirement for external funds, but most importantly ensures everyone in Elderslie knows, and feels invested, in the new park.
“The Queen’s Road play park was identified as the best location to upgrade an existing Elderslie park.
“Swings here are over 30 years old, approaching the end of life phase.
“Additional structures have been removed over time, thus the play value is noted as “extremely poor”.
“The group worked closely with the council in reviewing the limited location options available in their community.
“It was agreed, although access is poor a few steps are in place at both access points, it has more potential than the alternatives.
“The development of a path has been discussed with Barratt Homes to improve access and provides further in- kind support for the proposal.
“Elderslie Community Council is looking to refresh the current play offering with new, dynamic and exciting equipment chosen by the children of Elderslie.
“The group are keen for the equipment to be all- inclusive appealing to both younger and older children as well as children with varying capabilities.
“Elderslie Community Council consulted with young people and adults in their community, as well as individuals who live in homes over-looking the park, for their views on a renewed play park in this space.
“The results were overwhelmingly in support of the project.
“A buzz was created with local school children who made clear choices on the apparatus they would like to see in the park.
“Information was gathered and presented to Renfrewshire Council framework suppliers and plans have been drafted.”
The application for funding was made to the Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund, which aims to improve and develop community green spaces in Renfrewshire.
If given the green light, Elderslie Community Council’s total funding will break the £60,000 mark.
An artist’s impression has been created, showing how the new park could look with numerous play opportunities.
However, to fund it, members are looking to raise a total of £94,000.
They are currently awaiting the outcome of applications to the Flight Path Fund and Aviva Group.
The results were overwhelmingly in support of the project