Inverness parents and children welcome Whin Park refurbishment after £500,000 Scottish Government and Highland Council spend
There was sunshine and smiles as parents and children gave a resounding thumbs-up to the colourfully-revamped Whin Park in Inverness.
After three months of refurbishment work, the transformed city green space reopened yesterday to a steady flow of inquisitive mums, dads and toddlers.
With not a cloud in the sky, it was the perfect day to showcase the new attractions.
They include an interactive Nessie, Legend Seeker Playship, swings, climbing birds’ nest, and an adventure mound with tube slide, scramble net and interactive arch.
The Sona dance and play arch is audio-based equipment made for the outdoors which uses the latest technology and a range of games to encourage children to be more active outdoors.
Designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities, the newly developed site will complement family activities at the nearby boating pond, Ness Islands railway and drinks and snacks shop.
The development was paid for with a Scottish Government Play Area Fund award of £234,988 along with matching contributions of £150,000 from Inverness Common Good funding and £100,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund.
Slackbuie mum Dana was one of the early birds with little son Ryan, who is nearly two, and said: “I just think it is great, to be honest. We’ve had a lovely morning.
“It is a lot better now - more accessible, cleaner and I like how they have put the fence all the way around, especially with the pond and the river nearby.
“The old park felt a bit dangerous because a lot of the equipment was a bit run down.
“It is nice to see money from the council going towards something worthwhile.
“It will definitely be a regular stop off for us now and it is great they have managed to get it open for the Easter holidays.”
Dad Mark and two-year-old daughter Sienna, from Ness Castle, said: “We read the Courier’s story about the park reopening today and I’m off Fridays, so it was perfect!
“Sienna loves it. We actually visited Whin Park previously and there was nothing much left, really.
“I’m impressed by the variety of things to do. There’s a bit of role play with the pirate’s ship and while the interactive Nessie is maybe for older kids, it is something different to amuse her and keep her busy.
“It is noticeable how much thought has gone into making it suitable for all ages, such as the four different slides.”
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Crown mum Carly and toddler Clementine were equally impressed.
Carly said: "It's so good. We came last year and I’ll be honest it was a bit rubbish! It just wasn’t the same as I remembered when my mum used to take me when I was little.
“With the weather being perfect, you can tell all the mums, dads and children are absolutely loving it.”
Another Inverness mum Katie, with Phoebe (2), added: “It’s perfect for the holidays - and a bit nostalgic for me as well.
“I used to come here when I was wee and have great memories of it. Hopefully Phoebe will be the same.
“We have had a lovely relaxed morning trying out everything.”
Phoebe, asked what her favourite part of the park was, gave an honest reply.
Name-checking her morning snack, the little one said: “The banana!”
