PROJECT 1 — PLAYPARK REDEVELOPMENT
A modern, safe, inclusive recreational environment for all ages
Stage 2: Community Activity & Social Zone
Intergenerational recreation and community space
Around the perimeter of the new combined playpark area, we have plans to introduce dedicated community recreation facilities, which could including such things as:
- a pétanque/boules pitch
- sheltered picnic seating
- chess, draughts and backgammon table-tops on picnic benches
- quiet sitting areas
- social spaces for older generations and carers
This ensures that the playpark becomes more than simply a children’s area — it becomes a recreational hub for the entire village.
Stage 3: Redevelopment of the Toddler Playpark into a Teen Area
Dedicated youth space for social, active recreation
The existing toddler park area will be reimagined as a purpose-built teen zone, designed to meet the social and physical needs of older children and young adults.
Plans could include such items as:
- an outdoor table tennis table
- a half-court basketball area with run-off spacing
- tiered wooden bleachers for spectators
- a teen comfort and seating zone
This project responds directly to community feedback and creates a valuable space for teenagers — a group often overlooked in play provision — giving them a safe, attractive environment to meet, socialise, and stay active.
Lochcarron’s play facilities are now decades old. Much of the equipment is failing, surfacing has deteriorated, and the current layout separates age groups in a way that reduces safety and limits family use.
After consultation and strategic planning, Lochcarron Regeneration has developed a three-stage playpark improvement programme:
Stage 1: Redevelopment of the Existing Large Playpark
Creating a shared toddler + pre-teen play zone
The current large playpark will undergo a full transformation into a single, inclusive space designed for children aged 0–12. Core objectives include:
- relocating toddler play equipment into the main park footprint
- installing exciting, safe, modern structures for toddlers and pre-teens
- creating accessible, intergenerational space where parents and children can interact
- improving safety surfacing and fencing
- upgrading visibility and access
This first stage delivers a high-quality, highly used, and centrally located family play environment, suitable for Lochcarron’s permanent population and for visiting families.
Stage 1a – Woodland Play & Nature Trail
Following the Playpark Impact Summary issued by Highland Council, we are proposing an additional Stage 1a to better integrate nature and woodland play into the overall design.
Directly behind the larger playpark sits a small copse of woodland, located between the play area and the shore. This space presents a unique opportunity to introduce low-impact, nature-based play that complements the formal playpark.
Stage 1a would introduce a simple woodland walk with a series of informal activity stations, designed to encourage exploration, imagination and gentle physical challenge.
Examples include:
- Natural trails and looping paths
- Wooden balance beams and stepping logs
- Simple climbing, scrambling or agility elements
- Wooden outdoor games and activity tables
- Quiet spaces for imaginative and social play
All elements would use natural materials, sit lightly within the woodland, and respect the existing landscape.
By using the existing woodland, we can extend play opportunities without over-developing the site, creating a richer experience for children and families.
This phase would be designed to be low maintenance, cost-effective and deliverable, while leaving scope for future enhancements.
These projects are strategically designed to:
- improve health and wellbeing
- strengthen social relationships
- support early years development and teen inclusion
- increase village pride
- enhance tourist appeal along the NC500 route
- provide safe, modern community assets
- bring long-term economic benefit
Neighbouring villages such as Balmacara and Applecross have successfully delivered similar playpark investments — proving that ambitious community projects in remote Highland areas are achievable through collaboration, planning, and strong vision.
COMMUNITY-LED, FOR EVERYONE
Lochcarron Regeneration is driven by local people with local priorities. We are committed to consultation, transparency, and evidence-based planning, ensuring our work reflects a genuine community mandate.
By rebuilding our playparks and improving our public spaces, we aim to create a Lochcarron that every resident — from toddlers to teens to older generations — can enjoy and feel connected to.
We invite you to join us, support the project, and help shape the future of Lochcarron.