Name unveiled for Irvine’s playpark

The name for Irvine’s state-of-the-art new playpark was confirmed at a special event held at the Harbourside

After consultation with local young people across Irvine’s schools the name ‘Sea Monster Park’ was chosen. Greenwood Academy pupil Lewis Templeton came up with the name and was rewarded with a certificate and voucher from Vanilla Joes.

The local business also designed a special ‘Sea Monster’ ice-cream to commemorate the new name which was served up at the event at the Harbour Arts Centre.

The Sea Monster Park is part of the Great Harbour plans for Irvine’s Harbourside area. The £14 million Ayrshire Growth Deal investment in the area kicked off earlier this year with the first phase – which includes the Sea Monster Park - underway. The project is being supported with £9 million from the Scottish Government.

The ‘Great Harbour’ is a key component of the £251m Ayrshire Growth Deal and one of the most ambitious and transformational regeneration tourism proposals for the region.

Local people, and particularly young people, have been involved extensively in the plans for the area. Views were gathered via online surveys and during public events and displays. In addition, design workshops with local youth groups and primary schools, and also a design competition for secondary schools were carried out.

Young people were also asked to come up with an appropriate name for the playpark. An online survey was distributed to local schools as well as youth groups. In addition, ASN Support Ayrshire, Legacy Centre and Woodlands EY also took part. A judging panel then reviewed the 95 submissions received with the top three going into a shortlist.

After much deliberation, the name Sea Monster Park was chosen ahead of Nautical Nook and Dragon Park. Lewis picked up his certificate and prize from Vanilla Joe, while other shortlisted pupils were also in attendance.

Ayrshire has its share of sea monster legends, including the Cirein-cròin, a large sea monster said to eat whales!

Contractors McLauglin Construction are carrying out the first phase of works. As well as the Sea Monster Park, a skatepark and pump track are also being constructed thanks to the addition external funding from Sport Scotland, Scottish Landfill Communities Fund (Patersons of Greenoakhill via LT Funding and FCC Recycling (UK) via FCC Scottish Action Fund) alongside support from local businesses – Barony Universal, Chuck Wagon and Duncan’s Bistro. There will be minor repairs to the Pilot House building and new landscaped park setting for this important heritage asset and the active travel connections will be improved.

Works on the Sea Monster Park are expected to be complete in Autumn this year.

The design consultant has been now appointed to develop the second phase of the project. The Maritime Mile, including Marine & Arts Hub which will feature a new waterfront space helping to support events and improved access to marine facilities. This work will also take account of how the historic Harbour Master’s Office can be further improved and re-occupied.

The third phase aims to create a Maritime Heritage Hub. This will see the Council work in partnership with the Scottish Maritime Museum and Crown Estate Scotland to enhance and expand existing facilities around the Harbourside, including the Puffers Café area. It is hoped that this will increase visitors and encourage increased participation in maritime heritage.

The physical works are supported by the Great Harbour Community Fund to encourage local groups to deliver free public events at the Harbourside and Beach Park, and to increase public engagement with the regeneration works.

More details about the fund can be found online.