KGV park plans revealed to MSP and local councillors
New designs for a modern play park, multi-use games area and woodland path network have been revealed for King George V community park in Ardrishaig.
The £250,000 plans have been drawn up by Timotay Playscapes and include state of the art equipment for all age ranges.
From trapeze grips for adults to work out, to clamber stacks, playframes, a multi-use games area and a woodland walk, the plans for the six acres of ground are extensive.
Blair Johnston, secretary of the Ardrishaig King George V committee, showed local politicians round the site last week.
Jenni Minto MSP for Argyll and Bute was there, along with Mid Argyll councillors Jan Brown and Dougie Philand.
There are also plans for a community garden at the park, by a separate community group.
Ms Minto said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed visiting both the community garden and the playing field with local councillors Jan Brown and Dougie Philand.
“These two important Ardrishaig projects are working to bring it back into the heart of the community.
“I will do all I can as local MSP to support these projects in achieving their aims of community growth and wellbeing.”
Mr Johnston said: “Argyll and Bute Council have ring fenced £33,000 for play parks.
“A number of play parks have been chosen to receive funding and Ardrishaig is one of them. It is for maintenance of existing play parks.”
The current play park at Ardrishaig’s King George V park is more than 40 years old and does not get used much, so the committee hopes to fundraise and get this new park up and running before 2026, which is when the council funding of £33,000 must be spent by.
Mr Johnston added: “We have been working hard trying to develop a play park which is inclusive for all the community, every age group from toddlers, young children to young adults.
“There is a lot of inclusive equipment for different abilities.
“The MUGA games area has an all-weather surface, sports courts, a football pitch, basket ball, netball and tennis courts. It’s all marked out like the sports centre.
“We also want to create an activity zone within the woodland area in the park.”
He stressed that the park would provide access for all, including wheelchairs, pushbikes, prams.
He added: “We want everyone to have access to the park, get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
“We are the only KGV playing field in Mid Argyll.
“They were set up in the 1930s for outdoor sport and recreation for children.
“So we are going to continue that tradition; not just for Ardrishaig but for surrounding communities as well.
“We understand a lot of people go to Oban and use the play park at Atlantis Leisure. That is far too far a distance to travel and too much expense for people with young children.
“These are facilities we should have on our doorstep.
“We have shown Jenni Minto MSP round the site along with local councillors and let them hear all our plans.
“Next we will be moving to the community engagement stage to let the public have their say and develop community engagement.
“Tarbert just got £288,000 for their tennis courts; there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.”