EFFORTS to bring about a new children's play area in the Memorial Park, Laurencekirk, remain firmly on course, following a constructive meeting last week.
Laurencekirk Play Park Group invited users of the Memorial Park to The Crown Hotel to discuss how the Park can be planned to incorporate the new play equipment and maximise the available space.
The meeting was also attended by Councillor Jean Di
ck and Aberdeenshire Council Landscape Services Officer Iain Thomson and was chaired by Councillor George Carr.
Play Park Group campaigners Amy Stuart and Jennifer Pearson explained that the target for new equipment is around £92,000 with £8,000 having been raised locally since September last year.
Aberdeenshire Council have about £20,000 to add to that amount from within existing budgets.
Applications for funding from various sources are ongoing and a request has been made for access to future planning gain money from developments around Laurencekirk.
Mearns Community Centre have successfully bid for almost £14,000 from the Early Years, Childcare and Play Fund to purchase four pieces of equipment for the new play park on the group's behalf.
Iain Thompson explained that part of the park is owned by the Episcopal Church and negotiations are taking place to ascertain whether Aberdeenshire Council could use that area more effectively for community use.
Mr Thompson said he had identified five potential areas which could be considered for siting the new equipment and informed the group that chutes for example need to be north facing to prevent them getting hot.
Bearing in mind access to car parking, areas which the Gala require for their marquee and disabled access, the meeting decided on two options for further consideration.
A revolvabout, activity tower, springies, slide, dish roundabout and a space net are some of the items Iain suggested could be incorporated in a new layout. Picnic tables and benches would also be included but would be funded directly by the Council.
As money and some equipment is already there, it was suggested that installation would be phased and work could start in a matter of weeks. Offers of help came from the floor to assist Iain with installation provided the right specification can be met.
Councillor Carr thanked everyone for their input into the discussions and for the very constructive attitude shown by everyone to get the project moving forwards.
The Play Park Committee continued their fund raising efforts on Saturday night with a quiz night at a packed Crown Hotel.
June Buchan compiled the quiz and Alex Johnstone MSP drew the raffle. The evening raised over £500 for the cause.
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