Orkney Islands Council has confirmed that the Papdale East Play Park Association (PEPA) has raised the funding needed to move ahead with the next stage of its plans to install a fully inclusive outdoor play area and fitness space.

The package has been made possible through extensive community fundraising alongside successful bids to the Crown Estate Community Led Development Fund, the Community Led Local Development Grant, The Orkney Fund, National Lottery Awards for All and a Community Council, with the latest awards coming from the Council's Community Development Fund and YLAG.

Phase one, completed in 2023, delivered a £670,000 landscape overhaul with accessible paths, native planting and a restored burn. Phase two produced a feasibility study to shape the final design and support future bids. Phase three will see preparatory groundworks start in August, ahead of phase four, when the main play equipment will be installed from September.

On 4 August, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Melanie Ward MP, visited the park to hear more about work supported by The Orkney Fund.

-- Advertisement --

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."

The latest phase has been shaped by extensive local input, especially from children in nearby schools and community groups. Consultations showed children want to climb, swing and slide, guiding a design that encourages play and social interaction and is inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.

Orkney Islands Council Convener, Cllr Graham Bevan, stated: "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 continues to support the project, advising on design, accessibility and safety standards.

Janette Mackie, Secretary of PEPA, said: "We would particularly like to thank Katell Roche and Garry Burton, who have supported us throughout the project. Their guidance and assistance in navigating the various challenges we have faced have been invaluable and have helped us reach this exciting stage of the project."