HOWWOOD residents have been enjoying a variety of new play and exercise equipment at their local park.
Following a successful application for £50,000 to Renfrewshire Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund, which was match funded by LEADER Renfrewshire, community group Friends of Howwood Park has overseen the installation of new play equipment this summer, including scooter ramps and outdoor gym equipment.
A zip slide, nest swing, roundabout, climbing frame, swing bars and football goals were installed earlier this year, with the final pieces of play equipment to be added later this month.
Additional bins, a cycle stand and a notice board will also be installed in the park at a later date.
Gillian Whyte, chairperson of Friends of Howwood Park, said: “We’re extremely pleased with how it has all went, it has gone beyond our expectations.
“The park is great asset for the village now, as its always busy and we’ve received many positive comments from residents about the new equipment.
“We are also working towards getting some outdoor fitness classes up and running, and Johnstone Burgh’s junior football team are planning to use the park twice a week for training.
“A community asset transfer application has also been submitted for the unused pavilion. We hope to open it up again as a park hub, with toilet and changing facilities, so other youth groups can make use of the park.”
Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “Friends of Howwood Park have done an incredible job in creating their vision and working with us to make it a reality - and the park really does look fantastic, with such a wide variety of equipment for both young and old.
“We know our parks can be a real hub for the local community and this is making a real difference for people in Howwood and the surrounding areas, so I would encourage anyone who has an idea for their green space to get in touch with the team at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/greenspacesfund.”
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