Council Playpark Renewal Fund reopens for applications

Round 4 of the Playpark Renewal Fund has opened for applications from communities striving to improve their play parks. 

The fund, created thanks to Covid-19 recovery funding and managed by the OIC Sport and Leisure service, is now open for applications until 5pm on Sunday 8 December. 

The fund is geared towards improvement projects within playparks, not for routine maintenance, and those applying will be encouraged to seek external match funding. 

The Council’s Team Manager for Sport and Leisure, Katell Roche, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for community groups to breathe new life into their local playparks. 

“With local government budgets continuing to be tightened, we hope community groups will grasp this opportunity to rejuvenate the playparks they value. 

“I am happy to answer any questions groups may have and help guide groups through the application process. 

“Funding of 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum grant of £25,000 per project, may be available and those applying will be encouraged to seek match funding.” 

Andrew Bonner was involved in the application process for new play equipment at the Deerness play area. 

Andrew said: “This fund awarded us a grant towards 50% of the project costs and we could then apply to others i.e. Awards for All (National Lottery), OIC Crown Estate Led Development Fund, Cooke Scotland and St Andrews and Deerness Community Council. 

“We have extended the play area adding in three pieces of equipment mainly aimed at toddlers. We are also to be putting the zipline back in action thanks to extra funding from the OIC. 

“Although it has taken 18 months to complete the process, the extended play area makes it all worthwhile.” 

Another group to share their experience of the application process is the Burray Primary School Parent Council – they got in touch with the Sport and Leisure Team to see if they would be eligible before making the application. They said the process was very straightforward and beneficial in other ways, such as encouraging the children to do some additional fundraising. Their advice was to encourage others to contact the council and see if they could also benefit. 

Read more about the Play Area Renewal Fund - Guidance Notes and apply Play Area Renewal Fund - Application Form 

For more information, please contact Sport and Leisure Team Manager, Katell Roche on 01856 873535 Ext 2430.