New Tarbert play park now open

Costing £100,000, Tarbert’s upgraded park boasts a range of modern equipment and was designed with input from Tarbert Academy’s parents’ association and with the community council. 

Before work began the community was consulted on its aspirations for the park and responded with the idea for assault-course type equipment to encourage more outdoor activity and imaginative play for children of all abilities.

At the centre of the refurbished park is a tall, striped tube-slide, dubbed Tarbert Towers. This includes a double-width slide and accessible ramp, alongside a climbing wall and firefighter’s pole.

A spokesperson from Argyll and Bute Council said that the park’s renovation was completed ahead of schedule and had been financed by the Scottish government’s playpark renewal fund as well as by the council itself.

“Tarbert play park is one of 27 facilities throughout Argyll and Bute that have been allocated a portion of £938,000 from Scottish Government Play Park renewal funding," the spokesperson said.

In total, 10 playparks in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands have benefited from a share of £368,500.

On Wednesday November 13 Argyll and Bute Council announced the opening of the park.

“This is a wonderful playground, and I know it will bring many hours of joy to the children and young people of Tarbert,” policy lead for roads, amenities and transportation Councillor John Armour said.

“I want to personally thank the community council and the parents’ association for all they’ve done. This is very much a partnership between council and community and what we have is a facility that meets the needs of the village. It’s something we can all be very proud of.”

Kintyre and Islands Councillor Alastair Redman said: “Tarbert’s new play park represents the strength of our community when we work together. 

“This project, brought to life through close collaboration with local groups, provides a safe, inclusive, and exciting environment for our young people. 

“I’m proud to see our collective vision realised in such a positive way for our children and families.”