The final piece of gym equipment has now been installed at McGavin park with just a couple additions to come before the recent upgrade is complete.

Families, youngsters and older people have been flocking to McGavin park to enjoy Kilwinning's new gym and play equipment after a long fight from community volunteers.

The £100k improvement plan has taken three years to get to this stage, as the old tennis court became a modern outdoor facility, with gym equipment linked into the Wicksteed play app, picnic benches and seating, additional play equipment and a zip slide.

Kilwinning Community Events chair Labour Cllr Donald Reid told the Times it was brilliant to see young people, older people and families out enjoying it after their efforts.

He said: “I was talking to folk in the park yesterday and it’s all been really positive. Folk are really happy with the end product and the mix of gym equipment and the play equipment and the family space.

“Every time I’m up the park there’s different groups there on the the equipment and they wouldn’t be on that equipment otherwise and they’re enjoying it.

Irvine Times:

“Folk had been saying the park had been going downhill with no investment but now it’s a place for the kids to come. I’m absolutely delighted with the public reaction to it and usage of it and its great we have a real mix of families, older people, young people, all using it and using it together.

It was to go in in May but it’s taken to October, but it worked out for the best and it is keeping folk motivated and the kids entertained.”

Speaking at the town’s community council last week [October 15], Cllr Joe Cullinane said: “I think Donald and Kilwinning Community Events have done a great job at the park and the social media response has been great. There will always be one or two who will put in negative comments but you have to look at the overwhelming response from the public.

“I give everyone a pat on the back who was involved in that project.

Irvine Times:

MSYP Aaran McDonald said: “I would like to add my thanks publicly to the environment sub group of the locality partnership. We were down at the park today and its getting used and people are enjoying it.”

Kilwinning Community Events said investment has only been possible through grant funders including NAC CIF, Kilwinning Charitable Trust, Landtrust and the advice of NAC.