PEPA launches online survey to firm up final play area design and equipment

PEPA – the group behind the creation of a new play area within the Papdale East Community Park – has launched an online survey to gauge folk’s final thoughts on the play park design and equipment.

The survey - www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PEPA-Phase2 - is seeking public feedback on the finalised play area proposals, which have been created thanks to an earlier consultation. The survey is open til Friday 5pm 28 April.

Janette Mackie, PEPA secretary, said: “Through this simple survey we want to ensure that we are on the right path in terms of the play area design and contents. We listened previously and that’s how we have reached this point – now we just want to make sure we have got it right.

“This is the time to have your final say on this community project as we seek to deliver an area that is for all ages and abilities.

“The most important factor for us as a group is to have a play park that is accessible to all – for example we have plans to include a roundabout that a wheelchair can access. There’s climbing equipment that is not only fun for both children and adults to use but that is also encouraging exercise, balance, strength and agility. We want to include an area for educational visits, partially enclosed and sheltered areas and controlled access to the burn.”

The survey questions seek out people’s thoughts on the different areas, from the trim trail to the sensory garden, the community amphitheatre to lighting and the type of play equipment.

People’s answers will be fed into the final design and play equipment choices.

The survey also asks if anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer and helping out with the planting and ongoing work in keeping the area looking tip top.

Janette added: “The team will work with the Council to address any application or permissions that may be required to progress onwards. Whilst PEPA continues to fundraise and is extremely grateful for the public’s support with this, we will be making bids for additional external funding before the project can then go out to tender.

“It is such an exciting time for us all as we move onto the next stage and firm up the final proposals.”

The official opening of the wider park space took place on Friday when Council Convener Graham Bevan cut the ribbon ahead of an afternoon of activities – and a chance for people to view the display boards detailing the story so far, the survey and next steps. PEPA volunteers were on hand to answer any questions and encourage folk to feedback on the play area design.

The new and improved community space at Papdale opened in the autumn of 2022 and many have been enjoying its benefits since. In fact recent analysis shows a 70% increase in Saturday “walkers and wheelers” since then.

The Park, which is for all ages and abilities, features a deculverted burn, a network of paths and cycle ways, native shrubs and trees, and a wildflower meadow.

A new road crossing links the park to Kirkwall Grammar School and a plaza has been created for community use.

The £670,000 cost of phase one has been funded by Orkney Islands Council, Places for Everyone which is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans, and NatureScot’s Biodiversity Challenge Fund, with additional funding coming from a Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes grant allocation and the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund. Design work was funded by HITRANS.

Council Convener, Councillor Graham Bevan, said: “It is so important to retain green spaces within our towns as we all know how beneficial getting outdoors, enjoying some fresh air, exercise, greenery and wildlife is to our physical and mental wellbeing.

“As a town Kirkwall is expanding with housing on all fronts, bar the sea of course, so despite times where money is tight, it is all the more important that green amenity spaces are created and maintained to give the balance of spaces the town needs to ensure the quality of provision for the residents. I truly believe what we have here in Papdale East Community Park is just that – a space that everyone can appreciate and with plans to create more amenities, with more specific play facilities for younger folks. Let’s look forward to that next phase coming to fruition.

“A big thank you to the funding bodies, fundraisers, and the many teams who have made this project a reality, PEPA, local councillors, OIC staff and the contractors – this is now a really special place to enjoy.”

The project has also been supported by the Orkney Woodland Project and The Woodland Trust and the work carried out by Andrew Sinclair Contractors.

Working with the community, the design team led by HarrisonStevens took the original stage 2 concept first to stage 3 and through planning, and then on to tender and construction.

At each stage, the emerging design was measured against community feedback to ensure the best design was produced, also to futureproof it against the impacts of climate change, changing technology and site usage, and an expected increase in active travel.

The proposed development of the area originated from the Your Kirkwall Place Plan engagements, during 2018 through which PEPA brought forward ideas to improve the play park to complement the wider community aspirations. It was also born out of the Council’s Play Area Strategy, which identifies Papdale East as an area where opportunities for play were in need of improvement.