This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Nancy Ovens Awards
09/09/2005
The Nancy Ovens Trust Play Awards for the best design and best promotion of outdoor play facilities were presented today by Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson.
Best Design of a Play Experience - Inverlochy, Lochaber
In the village of Inverlochy, on two pieces of adjacent land is an exciting play area which makes use of the natural slopes and woods and a constructed access makes it accessible for all children. Active support and fundraising came from the local community, Voluntary Action Lochaber and local businesses.
Best Community Award for Play - Friends of Ravelston Park & Woods Edinburgh
This play area has been designed with an active collaboration between local organisations, children, schools and the City Council. They have not only improved the use of the woods but have distinctively involved children and the wider community in their processes. The play area was recognised as one of the most interesting play experiences and it provided variety within the heart of a busy city like Edinburgh.
Best Promotion of Outdoor Play Facilities - Summerlee Heritage Park (North Lanarkshire Council)
The Summerlee Heritage Park is an important visitor attraction. It depicts much of the heavy industrial history of Lanarkshire and is on the site of a former iron works. Recently they have added a play area to the site and it provides opportunities for younger and less able children to play safely. The Park uses visitor feedback as a key to its success. On a day picked at random, one of the trustees found nearly 200 children, young people and adults of all ages having a great time!
Outstanding Contribution to Play - Ormlie Community Association Thurso
The Association was formed a few years ago when a child was knocked down crossing the road to the play area site. Residents undertook a door to door consultation with every household in the area. While there were many issues raised, the neglected and dangerous state of the play equipment was raised as a priority. The new play area was opened in 2002 and last year HRH The Prince Charles opened their new indoor facility which adds to the all year use of the play area.
Ms Ferguson said:
"The hard work and dedication of those receiving awards today is a great example of local authorities, community groups and other agencies coming together to help ensure that Scotland's children get the best possible start in life.
"Children should be given the best opportunities to use their imagination, to exercise and most of all to have fun. These projects and others up and down the country do all of these things by providing good quality accessible play areas for children of all ages."
Nancy Ovens Trust on 07968 441825