On the Right Path! Strathpeffer Residents Association
Strathpeffer Residents Association took ownership of the community park in 2018 following a successful asset transfer from Highland Council.
The area of 1.84 hectares was mostly overgrown scrub and unmaintained grassland with areas of wet ground and mature trees. There was a small poor quality play area and limited access to the site overall due to vegetation and a lack of paths, particularly for those who cannot tackle steps or uneven ground. Based on extensive, positive community consultation the group has embarked on ambitious plans to transform the space.
In previous years, Corriemoillie Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund contributed £3,674 towards drainage improvement works and £2,558 for a metal container to store tools and equipment for community park volunteers. In 2022 the focus was on creating a network of footpaths to allow people to fully access the site.
The group had secured funding in 2021 from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme, receiving an award of £50,650 to build the path network. However, as with many projects last year, costs significantly increased between the time of the initial tender and quote, and the successful funding award, leaving Strathpeffer Residents Association with a shortfall of some £13,000.
The community fund contributed a maximum award of £3,000 to help bridge this gap and allow the group to create the full path network as envisaged, a small but not insignificant contribution to the overall funding package which was very much welcomed by the group.
The path network is now complete and has created 600 metres of new all ability footpath with access points from the local housing areas to all the park amenities and also connecting the park to the school and community centre with an off-road route.