More than a third of Western Isles play parks require improvement

More than a third of play spaces across the Western Isles require improvement, according to a comprehensive assessment that reveals gaps in quality and accessibility.

The Outer Hebrides Play Sufficiency Assessment, approved by the Sustainable Development Committee last week, surveyed 77 formal play spaces, of which 54 were assessed, with 63% being rated sufficient while 37% need improvement, particularly in Harris, Barra, and rural Lewis.

The statutory assessment, required under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, included the ‘HebPlay Survey’, which consulted children, young people, parents, carers, service providers, community councils, and the wider public.

It received 46 responses, with 74% of respondents believing there are insufficient play or hangout spaces within walking or cycling distance, with strong demand for inclusive design, equipment for older children, and nature-based play.

A report before the committee by Planning Officer Susan Rabé confirmed that while geographic coverage is “generally good”, significant gaps remain in quality, accessibility, and inclusivity. The assessment covered approximately 9.76 hectares of play space across areas where the child population aged 0-15 has declined to 14.6% of the population, down from 16.1% in 2014.

Rabé told councillors that “constrained budgets limit the ability to deliver all desired renewals or new facilities,” and future action, “should prioritise strategic partnerships and targeted investment to improve quality, accessibility, and inclusivity.”

Stornoway North councillor, Gordon Murray, welcomed the report as a “call to action” for retaining families and building thriving communities. He particularly praised the emphasis on parent-friendly features such as picnic areas, sheltered sections, and toilet facilities, which he said create “socialising opportunities” for parents while children play.

Murray highlighted the facilities at sites, including the playparks at Eoropie in Ness and in Newmarket, stating: “These places not only enhance enjoyment but set a benchmark for inclusive design that the report rightly urges us to replicate across the islands.”

The councillor also stressed bike safety concerns raised in consultations, urging that dedicated bike tracks and safe paths be prioritised in the upcoming Local Development Plan to promote active travel and independence for youngsters.

Susan Rabé’s report also identified key considerations for future investment, including integrated planning in new housing developments, creation of destination playparks with facilities for older children, community-led improvements, and inclusive design compliant with disability standards.

However, concerns were raised about the facilities at a recent housing development. Stornoway South councillor George Murray questioned whether regulations could apply retrospectively to McKenzie Park, describing its play provision as inadequate for a development with a young population.

Stornoway South councillor, Angus McCormack, raised similar concerns about two forthcoming developments in his area.

Rabé responded that developer contributions would be “quite an important part of future housing development.”

She said: “Securing proper infrastructure and including things like cycle paths and high-quality play equipment are the sort of things that developers should be assisting with.”

She added that children’s facilities need to be considered “at the beginning of a development not just as an add-on.”

Council Leader Paul Steele said the issue of playparks “keeps coming up at local community council meetings,” adding that it is “something that we need to be engaging with.”

Steele said his South Uist, Eriskay, and Benbecula ward has playparks highlighted on the map as not being sufficient. “This gives us the ability to focus on that and use that as a platform to address funding shortfalls, and actually take these things forward,” he said. “I think it’s an excellent document and commend the work that has been done on it.”

The finalised assessment will be submitted to Scottish Ministers as part of the Local Development Plan Gate Check Examination.