Extra money for play parks welcomed by Caithness councillor
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A CAITHNESS councillor has welcomed extra money for play parks in the far north. Raymond Bremner, a Wick and east Caithness Highland councillor, said the increased funding will enable local representatives to decide the priorities in their area.
He was speaking after the local authority agreed to address the condition of play parks, especially where they have been closed for safety reasons.
So far, 40 sites across Highland are closed pending equipment repair or new safety surfacing replacement.
The council has 339 play parks and over 2,500 pieces of play equipment. The provision of play parks is not a statutory duty, but the inspection and maintenance of equipment once installed, is mandatory.
Play parks are subject to daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly inspection based on usage and risk and an annual inspection is carried out by a qualified play park inspector. The council acknowledges the work done by communities to improve play areas and their ongoing help is very welcomed.
The local authority recognises the positive effects play parks and their social benefits have on children’s mental health and well-being. This has been particularly highlighted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.
Ongoing inspections have raised a number of safety concerns at some sites, which has resulted in play equipment being removed or, as a last resort, the park being temporarily closed until it can be made safe to reopen.
Highland Council recently made decisions that will help direct more money towards play parks:
*It agreed local area committees could allocate any unspent Covid ward funding towards play parks and invested a further £240,000 to ensure each ward had the same amount available
*a further £100,000 is earmarked for play areas and is still to be allocated
*other local sources of funding were identified and include, coastal communities funding, Common Good funds, any appropriate national funding streams as well as local donations
The Council also agreed to allocate a further £100,000 for each of its 21 wards for discretionary spending (£2.1m) which could also be invested in play parks
Earlier this year, a new approach to take forward play park improvements was agreed. It involves staff and councillors working together to discuss and agree priorities, identify funding sources and to consider any support available from volunteers or community bodies. The council is keen to work with community groups to keep sites open.
Allan Henderson, the chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, said: "These ambitious Highland Health and Prosperity Strategy investments are very much open to local councillors and community initiatives on how the money is invested in their own community.
"Many have indicated play parks are a priority, which ties in nicely with the health theme for youngsters and their hard-pressed parents."
Council leader of the opposition, Raymond Bremner, said:"The additional money for wards will enable local decision making to be made where there are local priorities."
