Bid to transform scrub land into community park in Aviemore
A community bid has been launched to transform overgrown scrub land in Aviemore into a ‘multi-use and multi-age’ park.
At the heart of the proposals, on Highland Council-entrusted land off Dalfaber Drive, is a skate park which has been a wish among youngsters in the village for the past two decades.
An online consultation has been launched by Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust (AGCT), which is leading the project still at an early stage.
Other additions could include:
* a community building incorporating café, meeting rooms/office space, a new base for Scouts and Guides, community sports kit library and community equipment storage.
* Climbing bouldering area/sensory area.
* Multi-use flat park area for games such as basketball, netball and volleyball.
* A quiet reflection area, which will be seated.
* A Men’s Shed.
AGCT is working alongside Aviemore Community Enterprise (ACE) to apply for the community asset transfer of the land from the council.
They are testing the waters for their plans with the Dalfaber Community Land Consultation for the site, which is next to the Cadet Hall.
In the past, several proposals have been floated for the area, including a skate park. However, none have managed to come to fruition.
One issue has been concerns from neighbouring properties over possible noise issues.
The trust has said it is keen to listen and work with residents in the Burnside area to make sure any development would not affect their quality of life.
Top Stories
-
Cromdale businessman fondled 17 year old girl’s breasts and then forcefully kissed her mother
-
Growing Highlands hotel group makes some key new appointments
-
WATCH: Boxing champion Tyson Fury spotted strolling barechested and in kilt along Grantown’s High Street
-
Aviemore children ‘so impressive’ in walking the walk for world’s clean water
AGCT director Mike Gale said: “People keep asking for a skate park and the land is earmarked for community use. Concrete Wheels had wanted to develop the site for a skate park at one time and now we have taken up the baton along with ACE.
“However, we want to expand on the original plan with a multi-use, multi-age park which is inclusive for everyone in the community.”
The online consultation was launched on Monday evening and had attracted nearly 200 responses by the time the Strathy went to press.
Mr Gale explained: “We have to ensure that the community wants these facilities and we are in step with their thinking.
“At the moment the response is looking really positive for community ownership; in fact it is 99.5 per cent positive.”
Mr Gale said he appreciated that some householders living close by might be concerned about noise.
He said: “We will be looking to address this and what we can do to prevent this. We want to work with those living locally to see what we can do such as planting trees and hedges, erecting fences, to ensure they have their peace and quiet.”
Mr Gale said consideration had been given to a village hall. Aviemore has been without use of its own facility for nearly 10 years after the old hall was knocked down to make way for affordable housing forming Alain Baxter Court.
But ultimately the trust’s board thought a hall would eat up too much space.
“The priority is a skate park,” said Mr Gale. “We have had a generation miss out on this – since the loss of the ramp in front of Chevys (bar). Aviemore is course into its wintersports and skateboarding ties in well with that.”
There are no costings at this stage and funding sources would need to be identified. The next stage of the work will be a feasibility study depending on the results of the survey.
A project manager has been lined up to help take the park plan forward.
On the asset transfer, Mr Gale said: “I think there is a desire in Highland Council for this site to be used so hopefully that will help our cause.”
The intention is for no on-site parking except for disabled parking. Mr Gale said: “We want to encourage the community to be active and so walk and use bikes to access the park.”
Judith Bell, chairwoman of ACE, said: "ACE is keen to see this site developed and we are looking forward to seeing the outcome of the consultation."
Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes has commended the trust for bringing the consultation forward.
She said: “I would urge everyone to respond and help shape the future direction of the project.
“Things are obviously at a very early stage, but from what I can see they look in good shape and there is a clear process identified to make this a reality, including the need for a project manager and feasibility study.
“After the darkness of the pandemic, it’s exciting to see a project like this in the pipeline and I fully support the community in bringing an overgrown site back into use.”
Badenoch and Strathspey Highland councillor Bill Lobban hopes that the plans that come forward gain good community support.
He said: “Highland Council is the custodian of the area which was donated by the Countess of Seafield exclusively for community use.
“There have been a number of previous plans which unfortunately didn’t come to fruition so hopefully this time around we will see proposals coming forward which have the support of the local community.”
The link for the Dalfaber Community Land Consultation can be found here .
