Grandmother Liz MacIntyre leads fundraising bid to deliver a new playpark for Dalneigh in Inverness with the current canal-side facilities for children in a dire state of repair
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A grandmother dismayed by the dire state of an Inverness play park is leading efforts to raise tens of thousands of pounds to replace it.
Highland Council building maintenance officer Liz MacIntyre decided to launch the fundraising bid after contact from concerned fellow Dalneigh resident Marie Maciver of Limetree Avenue.
Backed by retired Highland councillor Janet Campbell, the newly-formed Dalneigh Play Park Project has already secured £14,000 in funding towards an estimated first phase cost of £73,000.
That sum would deliver safe state-of-the-art play facilities for younger children at the canal-side park.
A £63,000 second phase would then provide upgraded play space for older children, as well as an attractive community meeting spot with benches for adults.
To make the dream a reality, the Dalneigh Playpark Project is asking local residents and businesses to rally behind it for a fundraising and donations drive.
Lottery funds would also be sought, but are much more likely to be secured where there is a clear indication of community backing.
The project, supported by the community council, was partly inspired by Raigmore community’s success in securing an £85,000 upgrade for a play park off King Duncan’s Road and £115,000 for Raigmore Skate Park.
Mrs MacIntyre, the project’s chairwoman and a granny-of-two, said: “So far, we’ve secured £10,000 from the council’s Covid recovery fund and £3000 from ward discretionary funds.
“We also received a generous donation of £1000 from [car retailer] Arnold Clark.
“The £10,000 is sitting with the council because they are going to purchase the equipment for us and that will save us paying VAT.
“I was inspired to do something as I am the housing officer for Raigmore estate and the community there have worked wonders to create two fantastic parks.
“We started out back in November last year, but we’re really looking to kick on now with a leafleting campaign in Dalneigh.
“It is now all about trying to get people within the community involved and enthusiastic.
“We’re looking for people capable of proactively taking on their own fundraising idea for the play park project.
“Equally, if there are any local businesses or individuals who can make donations, that would be hugely appreciated.”
The play park group consulted with local primary and secondary schools and Dalneigh Primary pupils came up with suggestions for the kind of facilities they would like to see in the park.
Mrs MacIntyre, of Laurel Avenue, added: “In its current bad state of repair, the park is not only lacking good equipment, the surfaces are uneven and broken, with tripping hazards and some vandalism.
“It really has seen its day and is pretty rundown, and quite inaccessible to some by modern standards.
“We’d love to bring the community together with something residents and young people can take pride in.”
A JustGiving page has been created at https://tinyurl.com/mrxpzw4x to help raise funds.
