Nine play areas across Orkney have seen major improvements this year

 Nine play areas across Orkney have seen major improvements this year, breathing a new lease of life into the sites.  

The improvements cover a wide range of alterations, spanning from new permanent goal posts and see-saws to new swing sets - as well as the milestone project of Orkney’s first fully inclusive play park. The total investment into the play areas across the year has been £456,634. 

Funding has come from the Scottish Government’s Play Park Renewal Fund, the Council’s Play Area Renewal Fund, the Scottish Football Association and from matched-funded contributions from local groups and community organisations. 

Katell Roché, Orkney Islands Council’s Team Manager for Sports and Leisure, said: 

“2025 has been a milestone year for play area improvements across Orkney. Working hand in hand with local groups and partners, we’ve delivered fun, safe and inclusive spaces for children and families. These projects show what’s possible when communities and the Council come together – it’s rewarding and inspiring to create places where children can laugh, learn, play and grow.” 

Play areas which have benefited from the funding include: 

Brandyquoy Play Park in Kirkwall  

Eday Community Play Park, 

Marwicks Play Park in Stromness,  

Manse Road Play Park in Kirkwall  

Stronsay Whitehall Play Park,  

Rousay Community Play Park,  

Stenness Community Play Park,  

Dounby Community Play Park,  

KGS Multi-Use Games Area 

Gwenda Shearer, Chairs the Council's Education, Leisure and Housing Committee. She said: 

“We are delighted to announce the improvement of nine play parks across Orkney, a significant investment in the wellbeing of our communities. These upgraded facilities will provide safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces for children and families, encouraging active play and strengthening the bonds that make our islands such a special place to live.” 

“These projects would not have been possible without the support provided by the Sports & Leisure team or without collaboration, dedication and hard work of our local volunteer groups and organisation partners.” 

A significant proportion of the work has been completed in 2025, with remaining phases of the project beginning in December 2025 and ending in early 2026.