Concern over Taylor Park play area

May 16 2008 by Caroline Boxer, Strathearn Herald

A CRIEFF parent is urging those involved with the regeneration of MacRosty Park to think again about one particular aspect of their plans.

Ailsa Campbell was alarmed to discover that the play area at Taylor Park is to be removed as part of the ambitious proposals to revitalise the popular Crieff landmark.

Speaking to the Herald yesterday, the mother of two, who is a regular park user, said: “I recently received a questionnaire regarding the regeneration plans for MacRosty Park including Taylor Park. While I appreciate all the efforts going into this plan and welcome most of them I feel very, very strongly that removing the play area from Taylor Park is a very bad idea.

“Families, childminders and groups use this play area daily and having the car park close by is handy when you have brought a picnic or your child’s bike.

“If the play area is removed then children and their friends and families will have to trudge all the way up the hill to MacRosty Park or walk along the busy winding Comrie Road which isn’t that safe.

“Also, having the large grass field beside the Taylor Park play area allows children to play games while their friends or siblings play on the equipment.”

Ailsa believes that rather than remove the play equipment it would be a better idea to upgrade the play area.

She added: “As a local mum who uses the park frequently with my children and who often meets up with other parents and friends, I would suggest updating and expanding the play area at Taylor Park, not taking it away.”

In response to the points raised by Mrs Campbell a spokesperson for the Council has said that although the play area in Taylor Park is earmarked for removal, other provisions have been made.

Giving a detailed description of the proposals the spokesperson explained: “The master plan for the regeneration of MacRosty Park was finalised in March 2007 following considerable local consultation, including face-to-face user surveys in the park in 2004 and 2006 and feedback from a public meeting and stall at Crieff Highland Games. It is also supported by the Steering Committee of the Friends of MacRosty Park group.

“The master plan was the basis for the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)'s 'Parks for People' programme by the Council and Friends of MacRosty Park, which successfully passed the first stage submission process in October 2007.

“As part of the second stage submission to the HLF, planned for September 2008, detailed designs of all aspects of the Master Plan are currently being prepared. These are long term improvements that will benefit local residents and visitors for generations to come and which could only be achieved through a major funding programme.

“The improvements include refurbishing the bandstand, pavilion and ironwork railings, providing a new car park, upgrading paths, renewing benches, bins and picnic tables.

“A new and exciting destination play area is also planned, including water play facilities, to be located near the pavilion, where the younger children’s play area and former paddling pool currently are.

“This would involve removal of the play area in Taylor Park. However, other items of play equipment are planned along the route between the car park and the main park activity area.

“To further develop the established master plan for the second stage submission in September, the Council is carrying out more community engagement work on specific aspects of the scheme. Questionnaire feedback and suggestions have been received from local school children about the design of the play area, and meetings will be held with local youth groups to ensure that the right equipment goes into the final design.

“The Heritage Lottery Fund requires management and maintenance to be monitored before and after any improvements carried out in the park. As a result, a survey has been circulated to a sample number of residents to gather information on their use of the park at present, and their views on the management and maintenance of the park. This will provide a baseline for people’s views before the improvements take place.

“The stage two submission also requires detailed proposals for outdoor activities, voluntary projects and art and interpretation, which would encourage more people to use the park and learn about its unique heritage. Again, this is being developed through questionnaire feedback and meetings with local interested groups.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the development of the second stage submission can request a survey by emailing their contact details to MacRostyPark@pkc.gov.uk

Users of MacRosty Park will be pleased to learn that the pavilion and facilities will be open this weekend and each weekend up until July, and then for every day in July and the majority of August.