NORTH Ayrshire Council have confirmed that nearly 30 play parks in the area are to be revitalised this year.

Some 29 parks are to undergo a makeover - in the first part of a development which will see all 96 North Ayrshire play parks improved.

The council committed £500,000 to the project, with further funding coming from the Scottish Government.

As well as the investment into North Ayrshire's play parks, the council's Streetscene team are looking to put in place new bins and benches.

This will include 51 larger capacity bins that are rodent and seagull proof, 115 new benches and 41 accessible picnic benches.

Work is beginning this month, with completion of this first phase due by September.

Improvement of the next set of playparks is expected to take place some time next year.

The council say they have taken into account public opinion within the planned work.

They said that public consultation showed an appetite for more accessible equipment and that is what has driven their approach.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for place said: “We are delighted to confirm that works are underway and it is expected that by the end of year the first phase of works will be finished – and the playparks will be transformed.

“We recognise just how important open spaces are and play parks are a consistent source of fun for young people and their families.

“Consultation took place with our communities and we hope that the new equipment and the changes that are made reflect that.”

Across the Three Towns, Kilwinning, the Garnock Valley and West Kilbride, 16 play parks are due to undergo improvement works this year.

Play parks to be improved this year are:

The Three Towns

  • Castlehill - Ardrossan
  • Millar Road - Saltcoats
  • Greenacres - Ardrossan
  • Holm Plantation - Ardrossan
  • Stevenston Shore
  • Ardchoille Centre - Stevenston

Kilwinning

  • Eglinton Small Park - Kilwinning
  • Stobbs Crescent - Kilwinning
  • Sports Club - Kilwinning

The Garnock Valley

  • Ash Drive - Beith
  • Public Park - Beith
  • West Kilbride Road - Dalry
  • Dalry Public Park
  • Pundeavon Avenue - Kilbirnie
  • Smith Avenue - Longbar

West Kilbride

  • Kirkton Avenue - West Kilbride

Other parts of North Ayrshire 

  • Innespark - Skelmorlie
  • Scott Park - Largs
  • Brodick Shore - Arran
  • Lamlash Shore - Arran
  • Whiting Bay - Arran
  • Kildonan Steps - Arran
  • Berry Drive - Irvine
  • Montgomery Park - Irvine
  • Toll Park - Girdle Toll
  • Campbell Place - Dreghorn
  • Thornhouse Avenue - Irvine
  • Low Green - Irvine
  • Moor Park - Irvine

Carrying out the phase one works are contractors Hawthorn Heights, who have a track record of creating bespoke designs for play parks.

Works kick off at Stevenston Shore before moving to Arran, where work will be carried out at Brodick Shore, Lamlash, Whiting Bay and Kildonan Steps.

After finishing on the island, they move to Beith and then across the rest of the mainland parks.

It is anticipated that the final playpark in phase one – Moor Park in Irvine – will be complete by the end of September. This is subject to change.