PICTURES: 'We did it!' Brora play park renovation complete after years of fundraising
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
It has been a long haul but an ambitious £137,000 project to renovate Brora Primary School play park is finally complete.
And even drizzly weather could not dampen the high spirits of those present when the final phase of the scheme was officially opened yesterday at a “Picnic in the Park” event.
Maisie Mackintosh, daughter of Jane Mackintosh, who spearheaded the renovation along with Donna Pryde and other parents, cut a ribbon to declare the play park open.
Waiting youngsters then got the chance to try out the new equipment.
It was in 2019 that planning started to replace the old play park which had been in situ for more than 30 years and was in such poor condition that it presented a health and safety risk and had to be closed.
Jane and Donna managed to drum up an amazing £60,000 of funding, with local businesses and the school community digging deep to lend support. Grant aid was also sourced from outside funders.
The first stage of the play park was opened on November 5, 2021.
Fundraising began again and over the last 18 months a further £77,000 has been raised with funding coming from the John Collins Trust, Gordonbush Community Fund, Kilbraur Community Benefit Trust, and the National Lottery as well as local fundraising efforts and individual donations.
Jane said: “The parent council were delighted to see work starting on the final phase of the play park. This phase saw equipment going in for younger children including pre-school - items such as a basket swing, agility trail, rockers and activity boards.”
She added: “That is the park well and truly finished now. We did it! Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last four years.”
