PICTURES: Playpark design finalists revealed by Highland Council for Whin Park in Inverness - which do you prefer?
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Ambitious designs for the major upgrade of a popular park in Inverness have been whittled down to two finalists - and people are being urged to vote for their favourite.
Highland Council has unveiled two possible designs for its planned upgrade of Whin Park and is asking the public to help influence the choice of the final design.
And the designs cover all manner of play elements - from an interactive Nessie arch, to a pirate ship, and from “extensive embankment slides” to zip lines, water play and assault courses.
READ MORE: Transformation of much-loved Inverness play park approaching important milestone
The council wants to hear from as many adults, youths, and children who use the park to vote for their favourite at www.bit.ly/whinparkdesign.
“I am delighted to see the progress being made by the Whin Park project team,” said Cllr Ian Brown, the leader of the Inverness and area committee. “Whin Park is one of the city’s most cherished parks and I would encourage as many people as possible to check out the designs and vote for their favourite.
“Everyone who uses the park has a unique opportunity to have their say on which design they’d like to see.”
He added: “Children can learn many adult life skills through playing freely such as learning how to make friends, negotiation, teamwork, resilience, empathy, and cooperation with others.
“Young people living in the Highlands have told us that they want spaces where all children can play together, no matter what their age or ability is. Play should be for all.”
The chairman of Highland Council’s communities and place committee, Cllr Graham MacKenzie, added: “The council’s vision is to provide a high-quality play offering for children and young people in Inverness and beyond that serves the needs of all young people, regardless of ability and age.
“The vision for Whin Park complements the aims of the council’s ‘Our Future Highland’ programme and in particular the commitments to work together to improve quality of life and opportunities for Highland people.
“The approach to the redesign of the park, and in particular the elements of inclusivity and consultation is underpinned by the council's playpark strategy.”
The designs are expected to closely represent the final installation, but the councll has stressed that some minor adjustments may be necessary following discussions with the successful supplier.
Away from the new play upgrades, Whin Park, already offers a range of existing recreation opportunities for families and older people to enjoy the space, including the park’s famous miniature railway, its boating pond, and a shop for refreshments.
Now that the shortlist of the proposed new play elements has been revealed, the public consultation and choice of the winning design will take place. After this is done in June, a contract will be awarded in July and work could begin by October, with a view to being finished by April next year.
