A major new outdoor play area and fitness space in Kirkwall has moved a significant step closer after the community behind the Papdale East Play Park project secured the funding needed to begin the next stage of development.
The Papdale East Play Park Association has raised the money required to progress Phase 3 of the project, with preparatory groundworks due to begin this month before the installation of the main play equipment starts in September.
The ambitious community led project has attracted support from a range of funding bodies alongside substantial local fundraising, including the Crown Estate Community Led Development Fund, Community Led Local Development Grant, The Orkney Fund, National Lottery Awards for All, Community Council, Orkney Islands Council’s Community Development Fund and YLAG.
The latest milestone follows several years of work to transform the site into a welcoming space for the whole community.
Phase 1, completed in 2023, delivered a £670,000 landscape transformation that introduced accessible paths, native planting and the restoration of the burn running through the area.
Phase 2 focused on a feasibility study that helped shape the final design while strengthening future funding applications.
The next stage will prepare the site ahead of the installation of what many local residents have been waiting for most, a fully inclusive play area designed for people of all ages and abilities.
The project has been shaped by extensive consultation with the local community, particularly children from nearby schools and community groups, whose ideas helped influence the final design.
The finished space will include opportunities to climb, swing and slide while encouraging play, social interaction and accessibility for everyone.
The project also attracted national attention this week when Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland Melanie Ward MP visited the park to learn more about work supported through 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.”
Orkney Islands Council Convener Councillor Graham Bevan welcomed the latest progress.
“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 has continued to support the project by providing advice on design, accessibility and safety standards throughout its development.
Janette Mackie, Secretary of the Papdale East Play Park Association, also thanked Council officers Katell Roche and Garry Burton for their guidance in helping the project overcome the challenges encountered along the way.
