A popular children’s playpark in Inverness is being earmarked for a £500,000 upgrade after council bosses admitted its facilities are “nearing end of life”.
It comes as a local father says Whin Park should be shut down as it is too dangerous for children to play in.
Martin Burnside says the venue is an “embarrassment” and is urging Highland Council to fence it off until repairs are carried out.
Landmark park planned
Replying to Mr Burnside’s complaints, the council revealed it aims to create a “landmark” location by next year.
Allan Gunn, the council’s executive chief officer – communities and place – said it hopes to attract new funding, including from the Scottish Government.
A council spokeswoman said a budget of about £500,000 is planned, with completion due by the end of 2023.
Mr Burnside, 42, visited the park with his two-year-old son – but left because he was so concerned at its condition.
“I was shocked. I can’t believe this place has not been condemned and shut down.
“It’s an utter disgrace. It’s not fit for purpose and completely dangerous for kids to play in.”
He posted photographs on social media of cracked concrete and broken or damaged surfaces and play equipment.
“This stuff is clearly rotten, broken or had missing parts for I don’t know how long.”
The surveying engineer said: “This is not a case of the park being dated or a little bit run down.
“It’s horrendous and a real sad state of affairs.”
‘This needs to be highlighted’
He said splintered wood on some equipment and holes in the rubber floor surface, big enough in some places for him to fit his foot in, pose a danger to children.
“I would feel guilty if I let this lie. It needs to be highlighted. I’m seriously concerned about people going to that park.
“I want to make people aware how dangerous it is. It is a health and safety issue.
“There are other parks in Inverness, but that’s the point. If it’s not fit for purpose and it’s a health and safety problem they should put up gates and stop people from going in there.
“It’s a danger and a hazard to young people and anyone else using it.
“It’s like letting children play in a building site, that’s the level of danger you’re talking about.
“Also, what sort of impression is it leaving on visitors to our city? It’s quite disheartening.”
He said of the planned investment: “Putting that money into it certainly will make an improvement.
“But only time will tell. In the meantime for them to keep it open is a shambles.”
Last month a footbridge at Whin Park was closed by inspectors due to public safety concerns.
Mr Gunn told Mr Burnside: “I am sorry that you were upset by the condition of the site.
Weekly inspections of park equipment
“We take the safety of users very seriously and carry out weekly inspections to ensure the play equipment is safe.
“Where equipment is deemed unsafe it is either repaired on site if possible, or cordoned off until it can removed for repair.
“We recognise the importance of Whin Park as a destination site in Inverness. However, the facilities are reaching end of life.
“This is a very important site to the city and has seen investment in the past from the Inverness Common Good Fund.”
He said discussions are planned aimed at progressing proposals for further investment.
“The aim is to develop a major improvement project at this key destination play area.
“It is hoped that, with Scottish Government funding, along with the potential of ward and Common Good Fund support, the project will develop and we can engage with local communities and park users.
“The vision is to create a landmark natural play area at this location making the site more inclusive with a higher play value.”
It is also planned to install counters at entry points to gather data on numbers using the park.
A spokesperson for Highland Council said: “We are currently working on a business plan in relation to the potential upgrade of Whin Park, a valuable and much-loved asset to the city.”
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