Transformation of much-loved Inverness play park approaching important milestone
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Work to transform Whin Park in Inverness is set to reach important milestone.
The vision is to provide high-quality play serving the needs of all young people, regardless of ability and age.
As Highland Council presses on with the project, the removal of some items of play equipment due to health and safety reasons and the refurbishment of the public toilet is due to complete by the Easter holidays.
It also set to finalise the design brief and undertake procurement exercise to deliver design and supply by March 24.
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The transformation will include a range of sustainable play equipment supported by core facilities at the park including toilet provision and the boating pond.
The redevelopment has been allocated £234,988 Scottish Government Play Area Funding by members of the Inverness, Central, Ness-side, Millburn, and Inverness West wards.
At the end of 2023, Inverness City Committee agreed a £150,000 Inverness Common Good Funding application.
and last month agreed to award a further £100,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund.
To date, completed works include a feasibility study, consultation with the local community, funding secured for the refurbishment of the public toilets and the replacement of old play equipment.
In addition, a topography study has been carried out and work has been completed to remove an invasive species from the boating pond.
A new licence to operate was granted in 2022 for the boat operator and £15,000 investment has been spent on replacement boats.
The removal of some items of play equipment due to health and safety reasons and the refurbishment of the public toilet is due to complete by the Easter holidays.
To mitigate the removal of some play equipment deemed unsafe, the council is working to develop a programme of additional activities in partnership with High Life Highland with its activity providers. Discussions are ongoing with the Care and Learning Alliance (CALA).
Chairman of the council’s communities and place committee, Councillor Graham MacKenzie, said: "We recognise the importance of play and playparks for children, in terms of the benefits they provide to their physical and mental health. This makes the progress being made at Whin Park even more pleasing."
Leader of Inverness and area, Cllr Ian Brown, said: "It is encouraging to see the progress being made on the transformation of Whin Park, which is the jewel in the crown of Highland Council’s play areas.
"Due to the park’s popularity with locals and visitors alike, this much needed facelift will ensure the park will continue to provide a safe and fun play environment for people of all abilities to enjoy."
Going forward the expected timeline for Whin Park redevelopment is:
March 24 – Finalise design brief and undertake procurement exercise to deliver design and supply.
May 24 – Shortlisting of two suppliers.
June 24 - Public consultation to choose the winning design.
July 24 - Contract awarded.
October 24 (latest estimate) – Contract/works completed.
