Pupils join City Leader for the official opening of Whin Park in Inverness
Earlier today (Friday 30 May) pupils from local schools joined the City Leader and guests for the official opening of Whin Park.
Since the redevelopment works were completed at the start of April, the new-look park has become a “must go to” destination for local children and their families, as well as visitors to Inverness.
Helping to make the official opening a memorable event were pupils from St Joseph’s and Muirtown primary schools, as well as young people from Millburn Academy who enjoyed demonstrating all the equipment to guests. Adding to the occasion and entertaining guests were young pipers from Inverness Royal Academy.
Before getting pupils to help him cut the ribbon, City Leader Cllr Ian Brown thanked everyone involved with the ambitious and creative project to transform the space and bring new life to the park and surrounding area.
He said: “I’m delighted this project has been delivered. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation to help shape the facilities, especially the young people. The results thanks to their input from the start of the design process is an inclusive, sustainable play space which all ages and abilities can enjoy spending time in.
“We now have a park we can enjoy and be proud of. I would encourage anyone who has not yet come along, to make the most of the weather and get out and use the facilities. Enjoy them and look after them.”
A consultation on the play area design was carried out, ensuring that children’s views were heard and informed the project. Features include an interactive Nessie, Legend Seeker play ship, swing area, climbing birds’ nest, an adventure mound with tube slide, scramble net and interactive arch. The Sona dance and play arch is an audio-based piece of equipment made for the outdoors which utilises the latest technology and a range of games to encourage children to be more active outdoors.
Some of the children who helped design the park said:
“I enjoyed being part of the consultation process because we got to contribute what we would like to see in the park to make it enjoyable for everyone of all ages.”
“I thought the process was quite fun and you could choose from lots of great ideas and fun things that would be exciting for kids.”
“It was very exciting as we got to design new spaces and I think this park is way better than the one before.”
The newly developed site complements family activities already available at Whin Park including the boating pond, Ness Islands railway and a shop serving drinks and snacks.
Improvement works began in January 2025 by Jupiter Play and Leisure Ltd who appointed Play Works Ltd as their on-site contractor to install the new equipment. Work was completed on site by end of March 2025 and the project was delivered within budget.
Funding for the contract was awarded by the Scottish Government Play Area Fund and was allocated to the redevelopment of the park by Members of the Inverness, Central, Ness-side, Millburn, and Inverness West Wards. In 2023, Inverness City Committee Members agreed £150k Inverness Common Good Funding and in 2024 a further £102k from the Community Regeneration Fund towards the park development costs. A total budget of £500,000.
