Have Your Say on Castle Douglas’ Inclusive Playpark
Castle Douglas Development Forum is consulting with the community for Castle Douglas’ new inclusive playpark.
In has been three years since Castle Douglas Development Forum (CDDF) consulted with the community about a need for an inclusive play park in the town. The new playpark is being designed as an inclusive space for Castle Douglas and the community, accessible to everyone no matter their age, ability, or need. After consulting with the community on how the playpark should be a facility that benefits everyone, the creation of the playpark is intended to be a space where everyone can run, walk, wheel and play, but also rest, relax, and contemplate. So, this project benefits everyone it has been designed to fit the social model of disability, meaning there are no barriers to play and no one is expected to adapt in order to enjoy the space. The new play park will also have Changing Places facilities.
Since the last consultation three years ago CDDF has been raising money, including £5000 from our community through raffles, events, and donations. However, there is still a long way to go as this project is expected to cost £375,000 pounds. While further fundraising is still underway the community is currently being asked to provide evidence for the project about which aspects of the inclusive playpark should be prioritized during phase one of its development and where in the town it would most benefit the community.
A survey is currently being distributed to the town through the latest issue of the Castle Douglas Journal, which completed surveys asked to be returned to Heart of Galloway. Alternatively, an online version of the survey is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CastleDouglasInclusivePlaypark
Within the survey members of the community are also being asked if they are interested in getting involved with fundraising, joining the planning group, or volunteering time to interview the community about their thoughts on the development of the playpark.
Castle Douglas Development Forum Chairperson, Carolyn Yates, says: “CDDF’s trustees have agreed that plans and fundraising for an inclusive playpark are a top priority for the forum at this time. The council have requested that we re-engage with the community to gauge support for our current plans and to pay more attention to location, which may now be better in Carlingwark park, given the active use of Market Hill as an open space during lockdowns, for the producer’s market and other civic events. We look forward to welcoming members of the community to the Inclusive playpark planning groups and our to help with our fundraising efforts”.
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