We are looking for your views on your priorities for using our funding to improve our council-managed play parks.
Play park funding
Play is an important part of children’s health and wellbeing. We recognise the need to manage outdoor spaces for children to socialise and have fun. The council shares the Scottish Government’s commitment that all children should have access to quality play in their own community.
Background
In August 2022, the Scottish Government confirmed a five-year Renewal of Play Parks funding package for all Scottish Local Authorities through to 2025/26.
Argyll and Bute Council has received a total of £938, 000. This is to cover 28 play parks, some of which require more upgrades than others..
The December 2022 Environmental, Development and Infrastructure (ED and I) Committee agreed that further engagement with elected members, community councils, education colleagues and disability forums should take place prior to any funding being distributed. To decide how best to use the funding, we need to hear from the people who know and use the play parks.
Tell us what you think
To help us prioritise work and funding, please complete this short survey. It only takes a few minutes to complete and we will use your feedback to plan improvement works.
Play park survey (for everyone with an interest in their local play park)
Play park youth survey (for young people or those answering on behalf of young children)
Please respond by 14th July 2023.
Thank you for your help.
Realistic expectations
As funding is limited, we can only allocate to existing council managed play parks. We cannot build any new facilities using this funding.
The split of funds between all 28 parks means there is a limited estimated budget of £33,500 for each play park, depending on the level of works required.
To give an idea of how much play parks cost, - the average cost of a spring seesaw is over £2,000, a climbing net over £11,000 and a swing frame over £5,000. This basic cost does not include any groundwork improvements.
As the funding is limited, it may not be possible to deliver what you would like in council managed play parks. We are looking to invite partners and the private sector to co-fund the play park project, which may result in additional budget, if you are aware of any organisations which would be interested in discussing this partnership approach please let us know in your response.
Council-managed play parks
Helensburgh and Lomond - Total budget £368,500
- Hermitage
- Kirkmichael
- Red Guantlet
- Arrochar
- Bendarroch
- Howie
- Kidston
- Kilcreggan/Cove
- Rhu
- Tarbet
- Cardross
Bute and Cowal - Total Budget £167,500
- Meadows
- Port Bannatyne
- Sandbank
- Glen Morag
- Dunoon Skate Park
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands - Total Budget £368,500
- Lochgiphead Front Green (Discounted as new park)
- Ardrishaig KGV
- Bayview
- Tarbert
- Kinloch
- Lochend
- Hillside
- Meadows
- Stewarton
- Jock’s Boat
- Bengullion Road Skate Park
- Ramsay Hill
Oban, Lorn and the Isles - Total Budget £33,500
- Atlantis (Discounted as new park)
- Tobermory
Community Engagement
We are contacting community councils, disability forums and schools to determine the key priorities for each play park. We are asking you to tell us what matters most to you in your local play park based on three priorities.
The priorities include:
- Renew equipment – replacing damaged equipment with new
- Access for all – making equipment user friendly for all abilities
- Enhanced health and safety features –different flooring options and fencing/railings.
Contact
For further information, please contact Hugh O'Neill, Network and Standards Manager, Roads and Infrastructure Service at roadsandinfrastructure@argyll-bute.gov.uk