Tobermory is getting the full £33,500 share of Scottish Government funding allocated to Oban, Lorn and the Isles for play park upgrading.
The allocation follows a public consultation where more than 1,000 adults and 400 young people region-wide had a say on how they would like to see Scottish Government funding of £938,000 given out to play parks across the area.
Councillors discussed the findings of the consultation at a series of Area Committee Business days, before allocating the funding.
Tobermory was one of six playparks across the area rated as a high priority for an upgrade – the others were Bendarroch in Garelochhead, Arrochar, Sandbank, Ardrishaig and Tarbert.
Although Area Committees have agreed on the plans, the council will now contact community councils and disability forums to inform them of the plans and make sure there is “maximum engagement” with communities and play park users.
Mull community councillor Mary-Jean Devon who, along with then MSP Mike Russell, re-opened the children’s play area in King George V park in 2017 after an extended refurbishment funded by the community said the allocation of £33,500 was “really good news” for Tobermory.
“It will be fantastic to see the play park with a bright smile on its face once again, it’s been looking a bit tired. It is well-used by parents and carers with their children coming from school and we will all look forward to engaging with the council about how the money can be best spent,” she said.
The Council’s Policy Lead for Climate Change and Environment, Councillor Ross Moreland, said: “Throughout this process, it’s been clear how much value our local communities place on children and young people having easy access to good quality play parks which offer a safe, fun environment.
“The feedback we have received from local people has been extremely valuable and an integral part of the scheme from the outset and we now look forward to beginning work on the new facilities in 2024.”
In the funding allocation, Helensburgh and Lomond got a total budget £368,500 to share among its play facilities needing updating. Bute and Cowal got £167,500 while Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands were awarded £368,500 including £33,000 for Ardrishaig and £20,000 to Tarbert to supplement existing funds of £80,000.
Caption: Tobermory Children’s Play Park was re-opened in 2017 after an extended refurbishment funded by the community. Six years on and the area needs upgrading again.
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