Playground push hits final target
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AMBITIONS to upgrade a popular playground have been achieved by determined Ross-shire villagers after they met their £11,000 target.
Strathpeffer Primary Parent Council has been raising funds for the past three years in the hopes of expanding the park the school.
And a £1000 donation by Scottish Water and contractor amey-Black & Veatch has helped it to reach its £11,000 goal.
The donation by the utility firm is part of a wider pledge to leave a positive legacy in communities that it serves, and follows extensive work to upgrade Strathpeffer’s main sewer.
The parent council hopes to use the £11,000 to install a seven-foot steel slide with a low wooden fort platform and scramble net. Grass matting would also be placed around it.
Alongside the Scottish Water donation, a sponsored walk by Strathpeffer Primary pupils on May 18 represented the final push to hit the figure. The parent council now aims to install the equipment this summer.
Abby Lucas, secretary of the parent council, said: "The parent council and children have worked really hard – holding discos, bake sales, summer fetes and sponsored events.
"With so many other things to pay for such as school trips, it is not a quick process so we are really proud to have reached our goal with the recent funding help from Scottish Water and local wind farm funds."
The wind farm cash pots which helped with some of the money were the Lochluichart Community Trust and the Corriemoillie Contin and Strathpeffer Community Fund.
She added: "The school grounds are also used by children’s clubs that use the adjoining community centre, such as Brownies and the Afterschool Club, and the play equipment will be available to the community as a whole out of school hours. We have a small amount of play equipment in place already and the new slide and scramble net will really boost the playground’s interest and fun levels for the children, especially the older ones."
Trish Wilson of Scottish Water, said: "In light of the disruption involved with our essential work in the village, we wanted to make a contribution to recognise the patience and support that has been shown by the community."
