Children and young people in Sandbank and Dunoon can look forward to enjoying improved, more accessible and inclusive play facilities as work gets underway to upgrade Sandbank and Glen Morag play parks.
Argyll and Bute Council has awarded a contract to carry out the works which is being delivered through a £75,000 allocation from the Scottish Government's Play Area Renewal Fund. Sandbank received £35,000 and Glen Morag £40,000 through the fund, alongside additional funding secured by local community groups. This included £10,000 from Sandbank Community Trust and £1,000 from Dunoon Community Council for the Glen Morag Play Park. The Council has also bid for £5,000 funding from the Bute and Cowal Area Committee and if successful would bring the full funding to £91,000.
Community engagement helped shape plans for the upgraded play parks, ensuring the new equipment reflects the needs and aspirations of local children, young people and families. Both sites will benefit from new and refurbished play equipment and improved groundworks, while Glen Morag will also receive a wheelchair-accessible roundabout.
Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Services, said:
"I'm delighted that a contract has now been awarded and that improvement works will start soon.
"Our upgraded play parks will provide fantastic places for children and young people to play, be active and spend time outdoors with friends and family. I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and shared their ideas. Community input has played a vital role in shaping the designs and helping ensure the new facilities meet local needs as well as the fantastic achievements in gaining extra funding from the Sandbank Community Development Trust and the Dunoon Community Council to support their own communities.
"This investment, supported by Scottish Government funding and additional local fundraising, will leave a lasting legacy for families in Sandbank and Dunoon and I look forward to seeing the improvements take shape."
Work will start in the New Year to allow the manufacturing of the play equipment.
Please note that a fire engine will replace the playhouse (as seen in the illustration) at Glen Morag and will be suitable for children aged 2-6.
