Business boost for volunteers at Strathpeffer outdoor hub
Determined Ross-shire volunteers working to create a playpark and outdoor community hub for their village are welcoming business support to make the dream reality.
The Strathpeffer campaign was kickstarted when dilapidated playpark equipment close to the school was effectively condemned on health and safety grounds, leaving local kids starved of outdoor options.
Since then, funding has been secured through a variety of channels to start work on preparing a swathe of open land for transformation into an attractive hub which will feature a new playpark, orchards and paths.
Now, local businesses are coming forward to help bridge a funding gap created by a significant rise in building and construction costs.
Members of the Strathpeffer Residents’ Association voiced delight at the start of the Phase One build for the new playpark which is next to the school and accessed from the Park Road bus stop.
It will include a multi-tower playframe as well as a selection of accessible play items.
The park is owned by the local community and managed by a board of community members, meaning that everything that happens there relies on local support.
The rise in costs last year has meant that, despite finding a new company to work with, and having raised nearly £130,000 from a range of sources, the team still need at least £6000 to cover the costs of the first phase.
To help add to funds raised through the Community Regeneration Fund, National Lottery and EDF Corriemoillie grants, the Park team have launched a sponsorship scheme for local businesses, with Bronze packages starting as low as £50 and Gold involving sponsoring a specific item at £800.
Contin Village Stores owner and parent Liz Kerr was happy to be a silver sponsor saying: “Parks are important, I have a child and I know they will be using it!”
Whilst Ann McKinnon of Strathpeffer Deli in the Square said: “As a local business we are proud to be silver sponsors of the community park and can’t wait to see the phase one under way.”
Other corporate sponsors to date include The Sports and Model Shop, Strathpeffer Sweet Company and The Coffee Shop.
To find out more about how to donate as an individual or for sponsorship options visit the campaign website here or contact the team on info@strathpeffercommunitypark.com
