YOUR FORUM FOR PLAY, SPORTS UND LEISURE AREAS
Mark Gornall, Sales Manager at eibe Play, first met with Maggie Macrae, the project leader from the local playground committee, in early 2010. Maggie was looking to re-develop their existing play area which was in need of general modernisation and repair.
The eibe design team drew up some initial plans for them incorporating some bespoke theming involving the always-popular Santa Maria pirate ship. The boat typifies the strong maritime nature of the village, where fishing is an integral part of community life and the red train embraces the olden days where large shipments came in via the sea and were then taken in land to central Scotland by train.
The whole area was designed to cater for all age groups as it’s the only play area serving the community so from toddlers to teens. Elements included the Santa Maria play boat, Aerial Cableway, Hardcore Basketball area, Hard-standing picnic and seating area, toddler and junior swings, Minimondo play unit for toddlers, train. The total value of the project was £80,000.
The funding for the project came from various pots – they actually applied for ‘Peoples Millions’ where the project goes on Television and competes against other projects. Viewers then vote for their favourite – and Kyle of Lochalsh won! That was £50,000 already. A further £20,000 came from the Highland Council and the remainder came from other grant funding, all of which was applied for and driven mainly by Maggie and the Playground Committee. (www.eibe.co.uk)
