The new inclusive park at Catherine Street in Dumfries opened to the public earlier today (17 February). The opening of the new, inclusive park is the result of the aspiration, vision, determination and hard work of the volunteer group Include Us who have been championing the idea of an inclusive play park for several years.
The group supported by the Council progressed this vision to becoming a reality. The group has been successful in gaining funds over £485,000 from the Holywood Trust, The Robertson Trust, the Wooden Spoon, The Peoples Project and Dumfries and Galloway Council and there were many other funders to redevelop the play park.
The inclusive play park has been redeveloped with new, state of the art play equipment which has been especially selected to incorporate users of all abilities and create a safe, fun environment for all youngsters to enjoy together. Careful consideration has been taken to make sure the design proposals for Catherine Street are enjoyable and accessible for all.
Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee, Andy Ferguson, said;
“It’s great to see this Play park open and is truly a fantastic example of what Communities can do when they are truly empowered. The Volunteers and the charity Include Us must be congratulated on their monumental efforts on fund raising and the development of the park.”
The public response for inclusive play parks and the Councils continued commitment in the region has seen Play parks developed in Stair Park Stranraer and McJerrow Park in Lockerbie all now fully opened and enjoyed by their communities. In addition the following Parks are going through funding applications or are in the process of construction;
• Douglas Park, Newton Stewart
• Kirkland Drive, Kelloholm
• Market Hill, Castle Douglas
• Newington Leisure Centre, Annan
The Vice-Chair of Communities Committee, John Martin added;
“The development of the parks shows the continued commitment from the Council to inclusive play something that we are all truly proud of.”Dr Andy Zieleniec, Chair of Include Us commented;
“Everyone at Include Us are delighted to finally open the park. It’s been a long journey but we have finally realised the dream of many to have an inclusive and accessible park and community garden in the heart of Dumfries. We hope this will be a much loved and used resource for everyone in the community regardless of age or ability.”
