Thurso At Play

 

 

An idea seeded by Alexander Glasgow and being grown with help from the Bains of Dunnet Road and others including parents and local events organizers.

 

Our children and young people have had a hard time during the Pandemic. Unable to meet with their friends for a long time, they now are returning to play.

 

There are some excellent playareas in Thurso from community funding. Unfortunately, often Highland Council did not have the resources to maintain equipment leaving it to suffer from the wear and tear of children at play.

 

Our fantastic Caithness cllrs are instigating a combined strategy on playareas, and have access to some funding. As even they admit, though, this just is the begining both with organization and costs involved, and the current funding stream will be directed to rural areas.

 

This is where we the community can help. We are the boots on the ground who might notice things which our excellent ward cllrs and dedicated Council officers might not straight away.

 

The playareas we most would like to enhance are Beach Road which is a focal point for the whole town, and Murkle Terrace in Thurso East where many of us live.

 

Root and branch change does not happen overnight. It is rewarding, though. If our children's wellbeing improves, our's will as well.

 

In the short term, cosmetic enhancements can be done. A lick of paint. Resetting a bit of unsafe equipment. A new bench or bin. A wee change can make all the difference in how people observe the area.

 

This GoFundMe will purchase suitable materials and employ reputable contractors. We are establishing a constituted group, and will consult with relevant agencies and stakeholders at all points.

 

Why stop there? There are lots of exciting new ideas about playareas. Pancake swings, zip wires, witches' hats, multi-use games areas, adventure or imagination play, sensory centres, eco-friendly materials and enjoyment of controlled nature.

 

Start small, think big.