New-look play park will soon open in Grantown after fantastic community effort
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Work to instal new play equipment at one of Grantown’s much-loved parks has finally started – after a two year fundraising campaign by the community.
Equipment provider Kompan is on site at Dulaig Park, with hopes that the new play will be completed by the end of this month.
Dulaig Park Renovation Project has raised £77,500 towards new play equipment after securing a range of grant funding and community fundraising events.
Confirmation of this major work is just the start of big changes at the park.
New picnic benches are also in the park, thanks to a £2,000 grant from Arnold Clark. They are made from recycled plastic and include one bench that is accessible for anyone using a wheelchair.
Work is also ongoing to transform the football pitch at the park.
Local firm Grantown Rural Projects has levelled and reseeded the pitch as part of the second phase of the renovation.
They will also install new fencing, goals and nets, providing a great new place for youngsters to play football.
The community is being asked not to go onto the pitch while the new grass is growing and being watered during the summer.
Sheena Corcoran, chair of the Dulaig Park Renovation Project, said: “It is so exciting to see work starting to transform the park."
Group secretary Jane Candlish said: “This is what the past two years of hard work by the community has been leading up to and we can’t wait to see the final result.”
It is hoped to hold an official opening day later in the year when work has been completed.
Local Highland councillor Muriel Cockburn has supported the group throughout the fundraising campaign.
She said: “What a privilege to follow the journey of a small group of dedicated and visionary people.
“This project demonstrates that community groups can and will deliver projects that have a lasting benefit to all, what is more remarkable is that delivery despite all the challenges of Covid and increasing costs continues to be achieved. I am sure the team will continue. Well done all.“
Earlier this year, the Highland Council gave £25,000 towards the project.
A grant of £15,000 was given from the council’s Place-Based Investment fund, allowing the project to enhance the play equipment plan.
And a further £10,000 was granted towards the playing field improvements.
Other major funders for the project include the Berry Burn Windfarm (£19,000), National Lottery’s Community Fund (£6,075), Scotland Loves Local (£5,000) and Highland Council’s Ward Discretionary Fund (£3,000).
