I bought my house in Upper Achintore because it was the one of the two houses available at that time, that was not right bedside the park, where my family and I could enjoy some peace away from the noisy park but still be close enough to access when desired but not be negatively impacted by. Now the council want to build one right outside the house I did opt to buy.

My daughter delights in watching dogs play on the green, and other local children treasure the space as a safe haven to play football, shinty, and rounders with friends. In winter, we sledge and enjoy the snow right outside our home—a rare and cherished opportunity.

Now, this green space at Nairn Crescent / Lochaber Road, the only one left in the area, is under threat. The council plans to build a playpark on it. Families play, dogs run, and children revel in a place that allows them simply to ‘be’, without the structure of a designated playground.

The proposed site for the new playpark is valuable precisely because it's free from play structures, a breathing space in an urban landscape increasingly closed off by construction. Furthermore, it provides a community gathering spot where children can engage in free play and adults can unwind with their pets.

The park at Banff Crescent / Lochaber Road is in need of development and could easily be renovated to serve the council’s purpose of providing play amenities without infringing upon our last verdant refuge. Renovating an existing structure respects the needs of children who seek playgrounds, while also preserving the much-needed tranquility our community values.

Let us preserve our essential green space for future generations. I ask the council to rethink their decision and consider improving the existing play facilities rather than infringing on our beloved haven. Please sign this petition to protect Upper Achintore’s last green space and maintain the balance between development and nature in our community.