WORK to transform two Cowal play parks is set to begin on January 4, with both Dunoon’s West Bay and Sandbank playgrounds preparing to close temporarily for long-awaited improvements.
The start dates have been announced by Dunoon Community Council and Sandbank’s Playpark Working Group, marking a major step forward for projects which have been in development for more than two years.
As reported in the Dunoon Observer earlier this month, the two playgrounds are benefiting from a combined £75,000 allocation from the Scottish Government’s Play Area Renewal Fund, with additional community funding potentially bringing the total investment to £91,000.
At West Bay, £40,000 has been allocated towards improvements, including a new wheelchair-accessible roundabout and a fire engine-themed play unit designed for younger children.
The playground is expected to close for approximately five weeks while contractor Kompan carries out the refurbishment.
Meanwhile, Sandbank play park, which has received an initial £35,000 allocation, will benefit from new and refurbished equipment, including a boat-themed play feature funded through additional community contributions.
The Sandbank Playpark Working Group has confirmed that work is provisionally scheduled to begin on Monday, January 4, with the playground expected to be closed for around three weeks.
Security fencing will be installed on the first day, coinciding with the delivery of new equipment and construction materials.
Once installation is complete and waste materials have been removed for disposal or recycling, the fencing will be taken down and the playground reopened to the community.
However, organisers have warned that Sandbank’s coastal location could present challenges if poor weather affects the construction timetable.
The working group said: “This is a complex project and its proximity to the water will be a challenge if we have poor weather. Be assured that the installation teams will be working to minimise any possible delays to the timeline.”
The group is also looking beyond the refurbishment, with plans to develop a sustainable approach to involving the community in the future maintenance of the playground.
Both projects have been shaped by consultation with local families and community organisations, with accessibility and improved play opportunities among the priorities.
If work progresses as planned, Sandbank play park could reopen towards the end of January, with West Bay following in early February.
