Moray Council invites input from the community on future of play park at Mannachie, Forres
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MORAY Council and a local steering group are designing the revamping of a local park with the help of children who will play in it.
A total budget of £70,000 has been allocated for the play area at Mannachie Park via the local authority’s capital programme and participatory budgeting scheme.
A council spokeswoman confirmed the council is working in partnership with other organisations and community groups to increase the budget through grant funding.
She said: “We’re currently collating and reviewing the results of officers’ consultation exercises carried out across Pilmuir, Andersons and Applegrove Primary Schools between September and December last year.
“There has also been further engagement at community events including the recent Local Development Plan event at Forres Town Hall.
“This will determine the items of equipment prioritised in the tender documentation. All will meet the relevant British standards for play equipment and safety surfacing.”
A wider community consultation based on designs for the entire park by Rankinfraser Landscape Architecture was carried out online and at Forres Town Hall last year. The vision includes wildflower meadows, play and seated areas and more trees. Informal play elements have been proposed including a playing field, boulders for seating and play, as well as willow tunnels. Green gym equipment and bench seating is also proposed.
The spokeswoman added: “Subject to completion of consultation, procurement and supplier timelines, the improvements are planned for delivery in financial year, 2023/24.”
A volunteer subgroup has formed as part of Forres Area Forum (FAF) to work with the council on taking the project forward. Email Tina at forresareaforum@btinternet.com for more information.
FAF chairwoman Sandra Maclennan has been working with council community support officers on the upgrade.
She said: “Significant consultation with young people has been undertaken to find out what equipment they want.
“Funding has come from a Moray Council pilot participatory budgeting project to enhance play areas across Moray. Forres is seeking additional funding at present. A support group has been formed and additional members are being sought.”
The output of the consultation will be reviewed by the steering group in the first instance. The group will then consider equipment “offering a variety of play options”.
Anyone interested in joining the steering group or getting involved in the project should contact laura.cameron@moray.gov.uk.
View the masterplan at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WtnnMECAUd9ymA6JyZiTBHvSbZDsaNbW/view
