The community-chosen new design for the renovation of Buckie’s Ian Johnston park has been unveiled by delighted councillors.
With the current park in a state of disrepair, Moray council applied for funding from the Scottish Government’s £1.2 million town centre re-generation initiative.
It aims to improve communal areas for the public and the authority successfully secured £43,000 from the fund.
At present, the park’s slide has been fenced off for months over concerns its structure had become dangerous.
The council’s Land and Parks department has struggled to fix the equipment due to its limited finances.
But the government funding will enable the purchase of new playground equipment for children of all ages.
Buckie councillor Tim Eagle said he was pleased with the new design.
Mr Eagle said: “I have felt the Ian Johnston park has needed an upgrade for some time and so I welcome this funding and the ability it gives us to put in place a new park.
“This park is a central point in our community, being close to the leisure centre, football ground, skate park and both Cluny Primary and Buckie High.
“To have a new playpark with fresh new equipment will really brighten up the park and that can only be a good thing.”
The winning design for the park was one of seven submitted to the council by companies across the UK.
The council then decided to ask residents and school pupils to vote on their favourite design.
With its age-inclusive equipment and engaging layout, outdoor playground company Wicksteed’s design was selected to go-ahead by the public.
Gordon Cowie, fellow Buckie councillor, said it was great the community had participated so enthusiastically in the voting.
He said: “This design caters for young and old and so I am looking forward to getting the equipment installed.
“It will be good to see it revitalised and returned to its former glory as over the years the equipment has become aged and in need of replacement.
“I hope that with this investment it will be a park children can enjoy for years to come.”
It is unclear exactly when work on the park will commence, but as the allocated funds must be utilised by spring time, it is expected the regeneration will be underway early in the new year.
