Glenelg playpark’s big cash boost
CHILDREN ‘hindered by remoteness’ are a step closer to a stimulating future after a playpark received substantial funding.
Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust has been given £10,000 to help revamp its local play area.
The much-needed cash was donated by the Big Lottery Families and Communities fund, a campaign aimed at helping Scotland’s children get the best start.
Development trust director Tina Martin said: ‘Our project involves a group of like-minded mums with the will to realise our children’s needs. The existing - or only - play area in Glenelg has equipment that is well used and dated and the site is prone to flooding. Highland Council did come down last year and put in a slide and metal spinner but really it needs an overhaul.’
The donation from Big Lottery Families and Communities is in addition to £10,000 received from Awards for All and £2,500 given by The Highland Council Ward Discretionary Budget.
Ms Martin, who has two children, says the trust has secured funding of £19,710 required for the toddlers’ play area and will be seeking additional funding as part of a development estimated to cost around £100,000-£150,000, whilst also looking at older children’s play needs following a feasibility study which showed overwhelming support for a skate park.
She continued: ‘We want to create an attractive, stimulating, safe playpark in the heart of the village which will be accessible to both locals and visitors. By having a new playpark our children will have access to an area which will allow them the opportunity to develop their physical, social and interactive skills. We also intend to include some themed seating areas promoting The Glenelg Brochs.’
The trust was one of 83 community groups to share in £ 511,412 from the Communities and Families Fund, a joint venture between the Big Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government which has funded 753 grassroots projects over the last four years.
Ian Blackford, SNP MSP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, said: ‘I am delighted at this news, which will be a great boost to the community, especially for its younger members.
‘I know the trust has identified a number of projects which will bring benefits to the area and has been working hard over the years to make them happen.
‘This has involved a lot of time and effort into raising money and it is a credit to their skill and determination they have achieved this grant which will provide a facility which will be much used by children. I congratulate them on their success,’ he added.