Partnership working paves the way for Crown play park success
The provost of Inverness has paid tribute to Crown Community Association for their drive and determination in providing one of the best play parks in the Highlands.
Councillor Jimmy Gray was speaking at a community picnic to mark the completion of the latest phase of the Walker Park Fitness Thru Fun Project.
The Association has raised £107,000 of funding over the past three years to develop an all-age, all-ability facility.
Provost Gray said the Association were an example to other communities in the Highlands in the way they had driven forward the project. They had raised funds, attracted sponsorship and worked with the Council over the choice and installation of the extensive equipment.
He said: “This is a safe and fun project, which helps people’s health and wellbeing. It is hugely popular place and is a tribute to the local community association and the Council’s TEC Services for their partnership working. I would encourage other communities to follow the lead at Crown.”
Pat Hayden, Chairman of Crown Community Association, the project wing of Crown Community Council, said: “As Crown doesn’t have a community centre, we have instead raised funds to create a community play park in Walker Park. My message to other communities is that if you want something done the community should join together and make it happen. We will be happy to share our experiences with any group wishing to provide their own play park.”
Mrs Hayden paid tribute to Association member Mrs Anna Henderson for her leadership on the project. She said: “Anna has devoted a great deal of time effort and expertise into this project and deserves all the credit in the world for her achievement. We are also delighted at the way the Council has worked with us to deliver such a marvellous community asset.”
Mrs Hayden said the Association was now working with the Council to provide toilets at the park.
Sponsorship has been attracted from Lifescan, the Foundation for Sport, Britannia Building Society, Awards for All, The Highland Council and the Inverness Common Good Fund.