Ten new inclusive play parks are in the pipeline for Dumfries and Galloway communities after £1.45m of funding was made available.
Sanquhar, Dalbeattie, Whithorn, Canonbie, and Gatehouse are top of the queue for new facilities, while five other locations have still to be identified.
The regeneration project will mark phase three of a scheme funded by the Scottish Government to provide modern play facilities for youngsters.
Dumfries and Galloway councillors will be asked to agree to invest £125,000 in 10 communities across the region – totalling £1.25m and also leaving a play park fund balance of £206,000.
The surplus cash would be invested in replacement of equipment in existing play areas following independent inspections.
The matter will go before the council’s communities committee next Tuesday when members will consider draft proposals from officials.
A report for the meeting states: “Taking into account the good practice and framework used throughout the development of the existing seven inclusive play areas across our region (Stranraer, Newton Stewart, Castle Douglas, Dumfries, Kirkconnel, Lockerbie and Annan), it is recommended that officers develop further projects with key partners across a further 10 communities to ensure the positive impacts of inclusive play area and auxiliary developments can be wider spread across our region.”
The first five identified locations are: Bell Park in Sanquhar, Colliston Park in Dalbeattie, Garries Park in Gatehouse, Castle Hill Playing Fields in Whithorn, and Canonbie Playing Fields.
These are considered prime locations because each site is owned by the council and is easily accessible by visitors.
The report continues: “Officers will work closely with each community to ensure that the Scottish Government criteria and national principals are adhered to.
“The maintenance and repair of equipment will continue to be the responsibility of our council. As play areas will continue to be managed by our council, agreement of replacement play equipment will be agreed by officers with input from communities and key principal partners.”
