Play parks across Renfrewshire are set to be transformed after the latest round of funding was approved.
The recent meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund saw half a million pounds awarded to local green spaces, sports facilities and play areas.
Working in partnership with the council, community groups have been submitting their ideas to improve facilities across the region for the benefit of young people, the local environment and the heritage of local villages.
The latest projects include upgraded tennis courts and a brand-new Multi-use Games Area (MUGA) in Langbank, a new outdoor gym in Ferguslie Park Gardens and a brand-new community park in Spateston.
Play parks in Elderslie, Lochwinnoch, Houston and Paisley are also set for improvements while a new shelter in Howwood Park and upgrades to the sensory garden in Maxwellton Park also got the green light.
Local mum, author, and director of Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust, Kirstin Innes, has spearheaded the Lochwinnoch Park development plans.
She said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive the
£80,000.
“Obviously there’s a long way to go with this project because there’s such a big upgrade required and we still need to find £60,000.
“But this is a massive and encouraging step.
“Our community fundraising is almost at £9,000 with more than 200 people in the village taking part in the Lochwinnoch Olympics events.
“I’m delighted the council has taken account of the amount of community involvement and goodwill that there has been.”
The majority of the funding for the park will go on replacing the large rubberised flooring which is no longer fit for purpose.
This has to happen at the same time as new equipment is installed and it’s hoped this will take place between September and November this year.
Councillor Andy Doig welcomed the funding for Howwood and Lochwinnoch in his ward.
He said: “I am delighted that the application by the Friends of Howwood Park for £21,000 for an outdoor shelter has been approved.
“They want to develop the park further as a key local space where a summer events programme of movie nights and bingo can be delivered enclosed and in safety.
“Weekly fitness classes are also a new feature of the new look Howwood Park, which is great.
“Likewise, Lochwinnoch Public Park will really benefit from its £80,000 award.
“This will successfully build on the legacy of the Lochwinnoch Playpark Improvement Group who installed the popular zip slide and basket swing in 2014/15.
“ This is very good news for these villages and their residents.”
Two environmental projects which would see the Tuecheen Ancient Woods in Inchinnan and the Rossland Circle in Bishopton purchased by community groups and developed into community green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy were also approved.
A total of ten projects from communities across Renfrewshire were approved with the funding totalling £522,466.
Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy board, said: “I’m delighted that these latest projects have been approved as they will make a huge difference to our communities and it’s fantastic to see the drive and determination of the local groups who are leading on each project.
“This investment will take us past £1.2m awarded to local people to make changes they want to see in their local areas and it’s heartening to see how our communities are continuing to grow and develop.
“We’ll continue to do all we can to support and improve our communities as we strive to make Renfrewshire a more inviting place to live, work, visit and invest
in.”
