Papdale East Play Park reaches another major milestone

Orkney Islands Council is pleased to share that the Papdale East Play Park Association has successfully raised the funds required to progress with the next stage of its development, to install a fully inclusive outdoor play area and fitness space.

Funding has been sourced through substantial community-led fundraising and successful funding applications to the  Crown Estate Community Led Development Fund, Community Led Local Development Grant, The Orkney Fund, National Lottery Awards for All,  Community Council, with the most recent awards from the Council’s Community Development Fund and YLAG.

The project, with Phase one completed in 2023, delivered a £670,000 landscape transformation, creating accessible paths, native planting and a restored burn through the site. Phase two brought a feasibility study, which helped with final design and fed into future funding bids. Phase 3 is the preparatory groundworks, which will start in August for the most anticipated element of the community's vision; Phase 4 is the installation of the main play equipment area starting in September. 

Yesterday (Tuesday 4 August), the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Melanie Ward MP, visited the park to learn more about some of the work being supported by The Orkney Fund.

Laura Currie, Treasurer for Papdale East Play Park Association said:

“This is an incredibly exciting milestone for the Papdale East Playpark project, and we are absolutely delighted to see Phase 4 moving forward. It really reflects what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.

“We are hugely grateful to all of our funders and partners for their support, but in particular to the local community, whose enthusiasm, fundraising and input have been at the heart of this project from the very beginning. Their continued support has made this possible, and we’re proud to be helping create a space that will benefit everyone.”

This phase of development has been shaped by direct input from the local community, particularly children from nearby schools and community groups. The design reflects consultations that children like to climb, swing and slide, and will encourage play, social interaction, and focuses on being inclusive so that it can be enjoyed by children and adults alike of all ages and abilities.

Orkney Islands Council Convener, Cllr Graham Bevan stated:

“It is encouraging to see the continued progress at Papdale East, and this latest phase is a real testament to what can be achieved through strong partnership working.

“The commitment shown by the Papdale East Playpark Association, supported by a wide range of funders and organisations, has been outstanding. I would particularly like to recognise the local community, whose enthusiasm, input and fundraising efforts have played such a vital role in bringing the project to this stage.

“This development will provide a lasting benefit for Kirkwall, creating an inclusive and welcoming space for generations to come.”

The Council’s Sport and Leisure team have provided ongoing support to the project, offering guidance on design, accessibility and safety standards. 

Janette Mackie, Secretary of PEPA, said: “We would particularly like to thank Katell Roche and Garry Burton, who have supported us throughout the project. Their guidance and assistance in navigating the various challenges we have faced have been invaluable and have helped us reach this exciting stage of the project.”

*