Council funding issues could see mass cull of kids’ play parks in Highland with 26 axed in Caithness
The mass closure of play parks across the region, including 26 in Caithness, is being discussed by Highland Council at a meeting next week.
In a document, made available on Tuesday (November 19), the council’s community and places committee said it will consider a report on the future of Highland play parks at the meeting on November 27.
A table in the document called ‘Play Park Strategy Update for 2024’ shows that 94 play parks across Highland including 26 in Caithness are scheduled to close over five years due to funding issues. Highland Council states that this will happen if no revenue funding or capital investment is made at the sites.
Item 3.1 in the summary states: “The current revenue budget for play parks maintenance is circa £58 per year per park. For play parks to be financially sustainable, money needs to be set aside for ongoing repairs and maintenance. Members are asked to agree the principle that 10 per cent of funds raised by communities is ring-fenced for future maintenance.”
The council highlights that there is “no capital budget for play parks other than what has been awarded by the Scottish Government”.
Despite the financial problems, Highland Council says it will nevertheless seek additional funds for special signage at the play areas to reflect “Gaelic history, culture and language”.
At a legal level, the council states that “play areas/parks are not a statutory service” and where they are provided must comply with health and safety standards. With a lack of capital funding and dwindling budgets across all councils, communities have been asked to fund more locally and examples are provided in another table.
Highland Council currently maintains 312 play parks and 2039 pieces of play equipment. The document states that “it is not uncommon for community groups to struggle with the complex process” of upgrading their local play park.
“Previously some groups have taken more than five years to complete the process, and some groups start then stop because it has been too challenging. There are many things to consider apart from finances, including surfacing, safety, equipment type, environmental fundraising, installation and inspections.”
It goes on to say that environmental sustainability, both in terms of manufacture and maintenance requirements, must also be considered.
The council’s play strategy coordinator is working with around 40 communities to support them in upgrading their play parks. “They are all at different stages of the process. Over the last year alone, support has been provided to communities to raise an additional £587k to invest in their play parks,” states the report.
Iain Gregory, secretary to Thurso Community Council (TCC), said: "This matter was brought to our attention late last night [November 19], and I was asked by TCC chair, Thelma Mackenzie, to look into the situation.
“I note that Agenda Item 12, Para. 7.9 lists the ‘number of sites per Ward to close in the next five years’, with no less than 11 shown under Thurso and North West Caithness Ward, and 15 in Wick and East Caithness Ward. Considerably fewer sites appear to be so listed in other areas.
“I made immediate contact with all Highland Councillors on the Thurso side, asking for urgent clarification, as we need to know precisely what the facts are, before issuing a formal response. Do the council actually intend to ‘close’ a total of 26 vital play parks in Caithness in the next five years, and if so, why?
“I have already had contact from Cllr Ron Gunn, who hopes to provide an update in time for the next meeting of TCC, which is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday, 26th November 2024, at the Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
“Members have been advised of the matter, and it is anticipated that the subject will be debated in detail."
Highland Council was asked to clarify points raised in the document and said: “A play park strategy update report will be presented to members of the communities and place committee when they meet on 27 November 2024. The contents and details of the report can be viewed [online], but it would not be appropriate for the council to comment on this prior to it being considered by elected members.
“However, please note the context of the report in respect of section 7.9 – those closures would only be in the event of revenue funding not being in place or if no capital investment made at those sites.”
