Play Sufficiency Assessment
We have prepared a Play Sufficiency Assessment to helps us understand if children have enough good quality places to play in the Highlands, and how easy they are to use.
The assessment supports the new Highland Local Development Plan. It helps us make decisions about future play spaces, improvements and long term care.
What we looked at
We surveyed formal and informal play spaces across the Highlands.
In total, we surveyed:
- 445 formal play spaces
The main focus was on Settlement Development Areas within Local Committee Areas. In these areas we identified:
- 333 formal play spaces covering 30.25 hectares
- 1,037.5 hectares of informal play space
We also found 18 additional play spaces later in the work. These appear on the map to show they exist. We will assess them at a later stage.
How we assess play spaces
The assessment looks at play spaces within Settlement Development Areas to understand how well they meet children’s needs.
We look at:
- quantity - meaning how many play parks there are in each area
- quality - meaning how well they are used and the experience they offer
- inclusivity - meaning how welcoming they are, including provision in more deprived areas and the use of inclusive equipment
- accessibility - meaning how easy it is to walk or cycle to them from nearby homes
View the play space map
The Play Sufficiency Assessment map shows assessment scores for each play space. You can view individual sites and see their survey results.
Each play space has an overall score and scores for six areas:
- Equipment types
- Features for informal play
- Accessibility features
- Context and location
- Environmental quality and condition
- Additional facilities
Scores are shown as percentages of the maximum available score. Colours on the map show average scores. These give a general guide, as not all play spaces are designed for the same ages or needs.
The full report explains how we assessed play spaces, what we found and whether there is enough play provision overall.
View the interactive play space map
Consultation
We asked for views on the draft assessment and maps between 16 January and 27 February 2026.
We also carried out targeted engagement on play spaces that had received recent investment.
A summary of responses is included in Appendix 1 of the Consultation Outcomes report.
After the consultation, we reviewed feedback alongside factual updates and corrections. We updated the report and maps where needed.
The final assessment will be presented to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 28 May 2026 for approval.
Documents
You can view the assessment documents online:
The map was updated on 4 February 2026. This removed wider amenity land from informal play areas and included other factual changes. We also updated the analysis in the report to match these changes.