Cannich park transformed with zipline and monkey bars after Highland councillor draws inspiration from local primary children’s artwork
It brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘hanging out with friends’ at the park.
The artistic vision of local schoolchildren and a magnificent four-year Cannich community fundraiser has culminated in the creation of two exciting new attractions at a much-loved village green space.
Back in late March 2021, Aird and Loch Ness councillor David Fraser was approached by pupils from Cannich Bridge Primary who had rallied classmates to draw pictures of what they would like to see in the park.
The most common theme was a zipline and monkey bars and so began a concerted effort drawing in teachers, local development groups, the Common Good Fund, the councillor and local community council.
As the video and pictures show, completion of the £22,000 project has gone down a storm with the kids.
Karen Steel, a parent and trustee with Strathglass & Affric Community Company, said: “It is hard to believe it was four years ago that we met Cllr Margaret Davidson and the soon to be elected David Fraser at Cannich Park.
“I’m delighted that we now have the addition of a zip line and monkey bars to our fantastic park and grateful to David for driving this project.
“Alan Hood, who recently retired as a trustee of the Strathglass & Affric Community Company, inspired me to gather funding for this project and helped make it happen.”
Funding came from Highland Council’s ward discretionary fund along with a substantial donation from Soirbheas, a charitable company that works to strengthen and support the communities of Glen Urquhart and Strathglass through revenues from local renewable energy schemes.”
Maria Reynard, acting head teacher Cannich Bridge Primary, said: “Our school park has always been a place of laughter and fun for many young children and families in the area.
“It has been a lifeline, especially during Covid and when children are very young, with limited baby and toddler groups or meeting places in the area.
“The park is a space where members of the community come together for birthday parties, egg hunts, family gatherings and school picnics.
“It is also where we can go to remember those in the community who we have lost.
“Back in 2021, the children engaged in a project in school that looked at ways we could improve our area and park.
“They produced pictures with a wish list and then set about encouraging Mrs Steel to bring their ideas to life.
We are delighted that these ideas have come to fruition and the park is now vastly improved and more interactive for older children.
“With them being involved in the design, they will look after the park for generations to come.”
Cllr Fraser said: “I’m delighted to see the new play equipment being used so enthusiastically.
“It is four years since I was first approached by the pupils of Cannich Bridge Primary and they talked about their ideas for the park.
“They provided drawings of the equipment now installed.
“This project has been a real team effort, led by the community and supported finally by Soirbheas and Highland Council.
“Working together in this way we have managed to achieve far more than if we were doing this alone. It has been a long journey but has resulted in a brilliant outcome.”
Kara Scott, Soirbheas’ community development officer, added: “The new cableway brings fresh energy to Cannich play park. This space has long been at the heart of the community, and through consultation with local children and families, Strathglass and Affric Community Company identified exciting improvements to make it even better.”
