Environment Trust - Dumbarton - Castlehill

Phase II of the Play space project in Castlehill

The EAP for Castlehill identified a need for new play facilities throughout the area. In particular the northern section of Castlehill was poorly served for play, mainly as a result of little available green space. There was a particular need in Cumbrae Crescent South as there are high numbers of young children with nowhere to play. Working with the Castlehill Regeneration Group the Trust identified a site formerly occupied by flats, but with restricted access and installed a new junior play area in 2007/2008.

This year the Trust has continued to develop this facility with the installation of additional play equipment and the establishment of soft landscaping to extend the play activities and create a more natural experience in line with new approaches to play provision.

 

 

 

Project Costs: £15,877

Goals in the ‘Fivey’

The Trust and the Castlehill Regeneration Group have been working with young people in the area to address a need for improved youth facilities. Last year, and not without some local controversy, the Trust installed two youth shelters next to the five a side court at the ‘Fivey’, just off Cardoss
Road in response to direct feedback from young people to the regeneration group. To allay local concerns the Trust guaranteed that if problems came to fruition and could not be resolved then the shelters would be removed. It is gratifying to see however that the shelters are being well used and have provided young people with a ‘place to go’ without causing any disturbance to
householders.
To develop this youth project the Trust has now installed new multi- sport goal posts in the adjacent ball court to create a positive sport space encouraging young people of Castlehill to become more active.

Project Costs: £6,995
Partners: Castlehill and Westcliff Housing and Regeneration Group

Phoenix Pocket Park

The area behind the Phoenix Centre was identified in the EAP as having little community value other than as an open space. There were the remains of some old play equipment but this was not in a usable condition. The area had also suffered in the past from anti-social behaviour and there were local concerns that any new formal play might cause this to reoccur. This area was however one of the few green spaces areas in north Castlehill and as such is an important resource not just for the immediate surrounding houses but for the wider area. Following extensive community consultation the Trust developed design proposals which are intended to improve opportunities for informal recreation for all ages and abilities as well as addressing some
of the issues and problems within the area. The main issues highlighted by the community were in respect of improved access paths, developing a small community garden for the use of the Phoenix Community Education Centre, improved parking facilities, steps and path re-surfacing together with improved maintenance. The final design has endeavoured to meet these needs, within the available budget constraints, the creation of a new community garden, new footpaths and soft landscaping incorporating solutions to previous problems associated with this space. The Trust would like to highlight the assistance provided by the staff at the Phoenix Centre as well as the local youth group both of whom were instrumental in developing a vision for the project. The Trust was shortlisted to the top 5 regeneration in Scotland by SURF. It is hoped in the forthcoming year to address parking and vehicular issues.

Project Costs: £53,880
Castlehill project costs 2008/2009: £76,752
Partners: WDC, Castlehill Youth Group, Phoenix Community Centre