A major investment in North Ayrshire Council’s play facilities will see fun and fitness activities being made available to even more children and adults.

The council is revamping all its playparks, with improvements, repairs and modernisation already carried out at 45 playparks with an additional 30 playparks currently scheduled for improvement work.

A variety of equipment including nest swings, cradle swings, sensory panels and climbing frames has been installed.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “We are introducing accessible seating and outdoor gym equipment to promote play for all – not just children.

“This is important as play improves mental health for everyone.  We have equipment that is suitable for adults as well as children, and this will help keep people of all ages active and encourage them to enjoy being outdoors.”

The improvements are being paid for through a combination of money from the Scottish Government Capital Allocation for Renewal of Play Parks scheme and Council funding.

Over a five-year period, from 2021 to 2026, a total of £1.39million Scottish Government funding will be invested in inland play facilities, while the council is spending £500,000 in coastal areas.

The council's Streetscene team, which is part of Neighbourhood Services, has liaised with communities to find out what their needs are and discover which equipment will work well in certain areas.

A public consultation exercise that encouraged residents to have their say on play facilities across the six localities attracted almost 1,000 responses.