To develop a play area at Golspie Primary School, with public access outwith school hours, to benefit the children of Golspie
Estimated Price
£70,000
1. Golspie Primary School Parent Council want to install an interactive playground at Golspie Primary School. We want to provide 1 large climbing frame for older children, a smaller climbing frame for younger children in the p1/2 composite, a spinning witches hat, benches for seating and interactive play panels. We need funding to install Highland Council approved equipment from HC approved suppliers.
2. A new play park is an important investment in our community because it provides a safe, inclusive space where children can play, learn, and develop essential life skills. Access to outdoor play supports physical health by encouraging regular exercise and improve overall wellbeing. The play park will also support children’s social and emotional development. Through play, children learn to build friendships, cooperate, share, and develop confidence. These experiences are especially valuable in today’s increasingly digital world, where opportunities for active, face-to-face interaction can be limited. There has been issues with problem behaviour at the school, and we feel having more for children to do will reduce issues with behaviour. The Area Place Plan's vision states the aim is to build a thriving, resilient, self reliant and supportive comunity where all ages can live, work, learn and play and having a play park will not only do this, but will help build on community spirit.
3. The positive impact in our children will allow them to have more fun, more exercise, become healther and reduce bullying and behaviour problems. We also hope to create a more inclusive environment so all children can interact together at playtime, and outwith school hours.
4. We started with this project 2 years ago when our current equipment became unsafe and rotten. We had this removed, the area landscaped, and re-seeded. We have been working with HC playpark strategist Lynn McGillvary and Alan Paul to ensure that proper procedure is followed and that we have an inclusive playpark for children of all abilities. We conducted a consultation with the children to find out what the types of play is that they would like, this has come up with climbing as being the top choice, with sliding and spinning following. We have been visited by, and received quotes from 3 Highland Council Approved play equipment suppliers - Proludic, Wicksteed and Sutcliffe Play in line with the consultation results. We have applied for funding from Kilbraur windfarm and are in the process of applying for Gordonbush SSE funding but we missed the deadline for this application. We received £1000 from Sutherland Education Trust which we have purchased thermoplastic games for the tarmac. Once we have managed to get funding in place, our next step will be to go back to Alan Paul and Estates Ingrid Murray to get approval for the equipment and then we will choose one supplier to work with to refine the quote and get the children to choose between 2 playparks. We will be ensuring that we raise enough money to carry out regular maintenance and inspections.
5. We would like to have the project started by August 2026 and completed by August 2027, but this will depend on funding, approvals and supplier timelines.
Quotes received are £60,000 but we hope to raise up to £70,000 to £80,000 to cover ongoing maintenance and inspections
By being accessible both during and outwith school hours, the play park will become a valuable community asset, not just a school resource. It will offer a free, local facility for families, reducing barriers to play for those who may not have access to transport or other recreational opportunities. This helps promote equality and inclusion across the community.
The space will also encourage community cohesion by bringing families together in a shared environment. Parents, carers, and children will have opportunities to connect, strengthening relationships and fostering a stronger sense of belonging within the area.
Finally, providing a modern, well-designed play park demonstrates a commitment to investing in children’s futures. It creates a positive, welcoming environment that supports learning, wellbeing, and community pride.
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