Last chance to give views on Orkney play areas and hang out spaces

A final call has gone out to children and young people on their views on the play areas and hang out spaces available in Orkney. 

The views are being gathered as part of the Council’s ongoing review of Orkney’s Local Development Plan. 

The Orkney Local Development Plan looks at planning future development in Orkney over the next 10 years, as well as identifying the areas that communities want to protect from development. 

Part of this is to assess the provision of play space in Orkney including informal hang out spaces suitable for young people. 

‘Play space’ covers area for young people to play such as play parks but also more general ‘hang out’ spaces such as woodland, beaches, burns and pitches or sports courts. 

An online survey is available here - Outdoor Play Space Survey (smartsurvey.co.uk) 

As part of the survey drawings and photos can be submitted, which can also be emailed to devplan@orkney.gov.uk or sent by post to Development and Marine Planning, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY. 

Susan Shearer is Orkney Islands Council’s Service Manager for Development and Marine Planning. She said; “We’ve already heard from lots of Orkney’s young people on their thoughts on the play and hang out spaces available to them – and their comments have given us some real food for thought.  

“It’s been interesting finding out what they see as being available locally – within walking and cycling distance – but also where young people are choosing to go by bus or car. 

We would like to know what else Orkney’s young people would like from these spaces – is it a better or closer play area, more seating in green areas, more access to nature trails or more shelter – give us your views!”

“We’re continuing to gather those views up until the end of the month so please take a few minutes of your time to respond to our survey. And if you can get your friends, sports teams or youth groups involved, even better! The survey closes on September 30.  

More information on the review of the Local Development Plan is available here - Review of Local Development Plan (orkney.gov.uk)