Dalneigh Youth Club helps design Hawthorn Drive play park extension
A group of youngsters has designed an extension to a park as part of a community-driven project.
The Dalneigh Youth Club is encouraging young people to spend more time outdoors by planning an extension for the Hawthorn Drive play park.
Funded by The Highland Council and Dalneigh and Columba Community Council, the project has brought local community groups together with youth club members to create a new play area for teenagers.
Chair of the communities and place committee, Cllr Graham MacKenzie, said: “Play is fundamental to the wellbeing and development of children of all ages in communities across the Highlands and this project is a fantastic example of a community-led collaboration.
“The views of children and young people should be valued when developing play parks in their local areas and by investing in these community assets we can support young people with their physical health, mental wellbeing and future development.”
The project was supported by local ward members from Ward 14 Inverness Central who congratulated the youth club members and community organisations for their commitment to the project and creating an opportunity to encourage young people to spend more time outdoors.
Led by Dalneigh youth leader Shannon Kelly, and Highland Council staff, Dalneigh Youth Club members took part in workshops to design an additional play area and select new equipment, including a climbing frame with monkey bars and nets, a hammock and a zipline, which is due to be installed in summer 2025.
“The views of children and young people should be valued when developing play parks…”
Shannon Kelly said: “This extension will be a welcome addition to the park which is often used by the young people who attend the youth club and have been very enthusiastic during the process of choosing which equipment should be installed.
“Teenagers are often excluded from good old-fashioned play with many play areas catering to younger children, so this has been a great opportunity for young voices to be heard on a decision that will directly impact them in their local community.”
Dalneigh Playpark Association also supported the project.
Barry Kane, chair of Dalneigh and Columba Community Council, said: “We’re delighted to have supported the consultations and planning for the second phase of the Hawthorn Drive play park.
“We are sure this will be an excellent and well-used facility and we’re extremely grateful for the support of local ward members and Highland Council staff who have provided invaluable support, and for the enthusiasm, creative ideas and input of the Dalneigh Youth Club members.”
A member of Dalneigh Youth Club said: “It felt very good to be asked about what we want to see at the park, and I am excited about the climbing frame. I liked that we had options, and I felt like my voice mattered.”
Dalneigh Youth Club is a free club for young people living in the Inverness High School catchment area.
The club runs on Wednesday nights in James Cameron Community Centre from 6-7pm for P6-S2 and 7.15-8.45pm for S3+.
