A creative Irvine schoolboy inspired upgrades to play facilities when he wrote a letter addressed to 'Mr Council Man' – local authority leader Joe Cullinane.
Tojo O’Neill, a primary five pupil at Woodlands Primary, came up with the idea to design a small play area for children in the Vineburgh area.
After learning of Tojo’s plans, Vineburgh Community Centre encouraged him to sketch out his designs which he addressed to ‘Mr Council Man’ and were then passed on to Councillor Louise McPhater.
Councillors McPhater and Cullinane met with Streetscene to discuss Tojo’s plans and see if his play area could become a reality.
A total of £5,000 in funding was made available by Connected Communities, and together with Streetscene, they were able to source new equipment at a reduced cost, arrange installation and Tojo’s Trail was finalised.
The play area is beside the Vineburgh Community Centre and includes Kompan climbing and balancing equipment, as well as small football goals and a bike rack, which have been installed by KA Leisure.
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Councillor McPhater, North Ayrshire Council's cabinet member for participatory democracy, said: “This is an excellent example of how internal partnership working and collaboration with communities can create active opportunities for the young people of North Ayrshire.
“Tojo’s play area designs will inspire other children to achieve their dreams, however big or small.
"After the challenges of the last two years, as we now start to recover from the effects of the pandemic, communities are relying on local outdoor facilities more than ever and play areas provide a great opportunity for local residents to bond with their children, as we approach spring. Well done, Tojo!”
Streetscene and council members hope to expand the play area to include more of Tojo’s ideas in the future.
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