Kirkhill & Bunchrew Community Trust is a constituted community group and registered charity which was set up in 1999 to encourage social, environmental and economic development in the area. A strong and enthusiastic membership is involved in a variety of projects, one of which is the playpark in the village of Kirkhill.

Kirkhill Community Park Group, a sub-group of the Trust, successfully raised £58,000 two years ago to refurbish the park, which was becoming dilapidated and unsafe with little play value for children or facilities for the community in general. The majority of the equipment was replaced, trees were planted and willow structures created. The park is very well used, being very close to the primary school and community centre. However, community consultation has demonstrated a growing demand for additional equipment for the very young, i.e. a set of swings suitable for babies and toddlers, which would considerably enhance the park experience for parents and carers with children in this age group, and indeed the children themselves, encouraging physical activity and social interaction.

The estimated total cost is £12,500, of which £1,000 has already been raised through fundraising events within the community. The cost may seem rather high for a set of swings but there are safety issues surrounding the siting of the swings – several items of equipment would require to be moved and the existing toddler play den and slide unit is deemed unlikely to safely withstand a change of location. This would therefore require to be replaced, and there would be additional safety surfacing requirements.