Local Priorities:  Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds

The project will put three pieces of outdoor play equipment into the school playground with a bark surface. This will enable all the children in school(480 approx.) the opportunity to participate in large-scale play to develop their gross motor skills. It would also be available to the before and after school clubs, holiday clubs and the wider public. This will be an improvement to a currently bare piece of ground.

The design is based on the discussions which took place with the pupil council over a period of a school year. These class reps then took the ideas back to their classes so all children could have an input. The after school club's comment was "anything is better than the nothing we have at present"

Local Priority: Urban improvements incorporating environmental seating and shelters

The DISC Target Project is the largest and longest running Evening Diversionary Project in the City of Dundee . It has been running for 23 years . It runs 50 weeks per year , 2-3 evenings per week , and attracts more than 200 Young People though its doors every week. It provides Young people aged 11-19,with a safe , healthy , free and inclusive Diversion activities from Risk taking behaviour , and specifically targets the City's most vulnerable Groups most affected by child poverty . It pro actively targets LAC young people , young carers , young people who don't attend school, young people involved in ASB , unaccompanied child Asylum seekers or refugees or who are experiencing Trauma and mental health problems . Over 70% of the young people attending live within the City's most poverty effected streets and areas. The Project is run outside late at night and provides free food , warm blankets , football boots and warm clothing as a direct response to the food and heat poverty that these kids are experiencing . However they are open to the elements and are often cold , wet unable to stay dry whilst receiving support. OUR PROPOSAL -is that we buy a covered seated enclosure where young people can access our provision all year round but stay warm and dry whilst provided with support , food , warmth and vital support .This will keep our most vulnerable young people safely Diverted with benefits to the whole community . The seated enclosure will be available to all DISC service users 7 days per week (e.g. parents , Morgan pupils during PE lessons and all clubs accessing their local sports centre , thus improving community life and facilities for all . Expected Outcomes: • Increase and improve participants lives accessing learning opportunities facilitated and managed by by Dundee City Council CLD Youth Work (CLD Disc Target Project). • Decrease anti-social behaviour incidents in the community. • Increase number of individuals and groups accessing facilities at DISC. • Improve local Maryfield facilities available for sport and recreation. The outcomes will contribute to the local priority of Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds. The contributing factors will be improvement to the number of individuals accessing sport and recreation learning opportunities facilitated by Leisure & Culture and Dundee City Youth Work provision. This will have a positive influence on the strategic priorities outlined in the City Plan for Dundee 2022-32. With young people being able to access quality sport facilities with no cost helps REDUCE child poverty and inequalities in incomes, education & health.

In the last 6 months , over 250 local young people were consulted in a number of occasions about what would make their community better and what could improve areas of their life . Many of the young people consulted came from areas most effected by poverty.  Access to warmth was important especially in winter months and their access to food at nights was also apriority . Almost all of the young people consulted said that the access to the DISC Target Project was very important to them but because it was outdoors they were cold and wet from the rain and elements. Often they only had one warm jacket which if wet would have to be worn to school the next day . THE SHELTER that we are proposing will seat 50 and will include an area where we can provide warm snacks , shelter and vital support and Diversion from harm.

There has been widespread support from the local community for this improvement in local facilities. It is an example of partners ,local people and service providers coming together to identify potential improvements , but a commitment given to managing , maximising use and maintaining this new facility which has anti poverty outcomes as its core outcomes.  

When it rains, they do not have warm clothing to allow them to take part and often go home cold and hungry. This Youth Shelter would help us reduce the effects of poverty for many local young people,

Local Priority: - Enhanced community facilities.

Since 1946 to date the Lochee Boys and Girls Club has been evolving. The club plans to invest more than £500,000 into the Lochee community, by expanding its facilities to better serve the community's growing needs. Collaborating with local stakeholders, plans are underway to enhance gym and training areas and create additional community spaces. Our project will create positive change for individuals and the wider community by encouraging youth engagement in healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and discipline through sport. It will promote social cohesion by bringing together diverse groups to foster understanding, cooperation, and inclusion. A key focus will be on physical and mental wellbeing, providing safe spaces for exercise that contribute to both physical fitness and mental health improvements. The expansion will generate wider social benefits, this includes new opportunities for volunteer and create employment opportunities, creating avenues for coaching certifications, mentoring positions, and careers in sports and community development. Sustained benefits for the community will be achieved by reducing social isolation, enhancing local engagement, and improving overall health metrics.

Collaboration is central to our strategy. We intend to partner with local charities and stakeholders to create a unified network dedicated to community health and safety. The facility will actively promote the benefits of sport beyond just physical activity. Mental health support will be integrated through structured programmes that incorporate stress management and resilience-building workshops. The space will encourage social interactions, reducing loneliness and fostering friendships. This is aligned with the local community plan to tackle social isolation and build community resilience. It will also serve as a positive diversion for young people, reducing crime rates by engaging them in structured activities. Additionally, partnerships with local schools will support academic attainment through sports participation. The new extension will enhance the club’s ability to deliver these initiatives, ensuring a broader reach and greater impact on the community. Along with the Capital Funding for the extension we are also looking to improve what we currently have. This grant would be utilised to achieve this. We are hoping to improve accessibility to all areas of the club and this involves renewing the entrance with DDA approved automatic doors, lowering thresholds to ensure wheelchair accessibility.

To support our commitment in developing opportunities for women and girls in our sport we are creating a new female changing area. The demand for the women's only class and the number of girls attending the junior boxing sessions has increased. We plan to collaborate with partners in Health who will be working towards improving support for those in recovery and this facility will prove essential to meet the needs of those women. If we can achieve both the refurbishment and extension this allows us to double our outreach and be a positive factor for individuals and families in the local area.

We have been embedded in the Heart of Lochee for almost 80 years. Our club membership is continually growing with 70% of our members residing locally. We are engaged with several local partnerships, including the Regeneration Forum, Lochee Community Larder and Lochee Residents and Tennent’s group. We work closely with local schools providing activities within schools and elsewhere. We attend community meetings and are members of the Lochee Area Community Sports Hub which allows us to engage with a vast number of individuals and groups. We work with Active Schools and deliver sessions within various locations across the ward during which we have discussed with parents, carers, and young people themselves to identify their needs and expectations. Engagement has been carried out with local councillors, Sport Scotland, Dundee City Council, NHS and other groups and charities. We consulted with them regarding our strategic aims and development plan and there is a shared opinion that due to the lack of other community facilities in the Lochee area our project is vital and should be a priority. The Lochee Community Plan 2022-2027 has outlined the community priorities and our plan supports these. We are focused on tackling social isolation and improving mental wellbeing, introducing a multi functional community lounge and increasing the accessibility of our club and delivery of our services, we can have a massive positive impact. Another priority is the need to improve community safety. With larger premises we can offer diversionary programmes for young people in partnership with education. Boxing can be a tool to reduce antisocial behaviour by offering a positive outlet for energy and promoting discipline, self-respect, and a sense of community. Boxing clubs can act as a “great hook for change” by providing a space for self-development and keeping individuals away from crime and violence.

Local Priority: - Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds

These building works are necessary to ensure the Centre is welcoming, inclusive, and functional for a wide range of activities. This will allow us to deliver high-quality provision for the local community, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, poor health, and social isolation. Maryfield contains some of the most deprived areas in Dundee. Residents face real barriers to accessing affordable health and wellbeing support. The Kanzen for Life Centre will respond directly to these challenges by providing a safe and inclusive space where individuals and families can engage in physical activity, social interaction, and personal development. The project supports key local priorities by helping to reduce health inequalities, promote community connection, and create a sense of belonging. The Centre will host activities for older adults, young people, and families, with a focus on those most in need. Programming will include free-to-access wellbeing sessions, inclusive physical activity, leadership development, and peer support groups. The development of the building has been informed by local consultation and shaped in collaboration with residents, including young people. Feedback shows there is strong demand for a consistent, high-quality indoor space that enables year-round activities and supports physical and mental wellbeing.

This capital project will help us complete essential works including: internal building improvements, accessibility adaptations, flooring and heating upgrades, energy-efficient lighting, and safe storage.

We would like to highlight the strong community demand and deep organisational commitment behind this application. Our work is community-led, with programmes shaped by local needs and delivered in partnership with trusted organisations. We are proud to have the support of key partners, including NHS Tayside and the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation. The project has the solid support of the Stobswell Forum also. This project is so significant to the Stobswell and Maryfield community, we think it is worth strong consideration. Kanzen for Life is a Living Wage employer and we will be creating 10 new jobs within the centre.

Local Priority: Create safe outdoor and indoor spaces for young people

Planet Youth is an evidence based substance use prevention model. It is a 10 step process which aims to identify risk and protective factors to build a protective environment for children and young people to grow up in. The work is built around 4 domains - Leisure Time, School, Family and Peer Group. Through working with young people at Baldragon Academy over a series of workshops with V&A, Dundee and examining the Planet Youth data it was identified by both pupils and teaching staff that creating safe indoor and outdoor spaces was a priority. YP have disclosed through the work we have completed that there is a lack of places to sit outside and a limited amount of benches with shelter. We would hope with the approval of this application that we could provide a further three outdoor tables and bench set for the playground. This would allow young people to eat their lunch outside and engage positively with their peers. We would also hope that young people would have had a more positive experience over lunchtime, therefore returning to class in a more relaxed state and are more likely to engage with their in their learning. It was also identified by the young people that there is a lack of sporting activities/resources in the playground. Again, through consultation with the wider school community suggestions have been made to invest in basketball nets and a selection of different sporting equipment for the playground. This again would allow young people to engage in a more positive lunchtime and engage them in physical activity in school and encourage team building activities. The PY data also shows that there is a lack of young people participating in physical activity so therefore by creating more opportunity for them it is likely to encourage them to be more physically active. The YP have also identified spaces in school which they would like to create. The young people expressed that lunchtimes can be busy and there is not enough space for everyone in the lunch hall. After pupils presented to Senior Leadership team, it was identified that there was certain spaces pupils could use in school. The hope is this would create a calmer environment for all pupils in school, it would reduce overcrowding in certain areas of the school. Young people have also asked if they can open different departments at lunch. This again would allow young people to engage in a more positive lunchtime and be with their peers.

In 2023 the Planet Youth survey was completed by S3/4 pupils in Baldragon Academy. The survey focuses on four domains: School, Peer Education, Leisure Time and Family. Baldragon Academy has been working in partnership with V&A, Dundee, Barnardo's with the PY Development Officer to look at the Planet Youth data. A mixture of pupils from across S1-6 examined the different statements that came from the data and prioritised 'safe spaces in school'. With the support of the V&A, the young people went on a ‘safari tour' of the school to identify spaces where they felt safe and not so safe in school. Through looking at the pictures the YP were able to discuss with their peers and professionals what it was they liked and disliked about specific places in school. The young people then created prototypes of spaces they would like to see in school such as: using the fitness suite at lunchtime, having somewhere comfy to sit and making more of the outdoor space. The senior pupils then presented to senior leadership team and at assembly to consult the rest of the school. During lunchtime the group created a ballot where the rest of the school could vote on what spaces they would like to see be developed in school. The school voted as follows: Gaming Room- 50% Outdoor Spaces – 50% Movie lunchtime – 40% Fitness suite – 35% Opening departments – 25% Soft furnishings-25% Junior vs Seniors- 10% Other suggestions – set up sporting activities outside, basketball net and opening upstairs.

Local Priority: - Improve outdoor play equipment for children

Friends of Clatto is a volunteer group who maintain much of the greenspace, walking areas, wildlife study and information points at the park. We have been working in partnership with Dundee City council Environment team to help enhance Clatto Country park for the local community. The grant will be used to improve the outdoor play equipment for children contributing to the Strathmartine local community plan, by expanding play park equipment to cater for younger children, toddlers and to be more inclusive. The new equipment will include: 1x Pod seat swing 1x Multiplay toddler unit

The Strathmartine Community Empowerment Team undertook extensive community engagement to gather ideas and priorities for the use of a local fund. The engagement process included: • 18 in-person engagement sessions across the Strathmartine ward • 1 online questionnaire made available to local residents • A total of 330 individuals shared their thoughts and suggestions From this process, the second most frequently suggested improvement was the installation of new and improved children's play equipment at Clatto Park. This strong level of community interest highlights a clear desire to enhance the play facilities in this location. Following this, the findings were shared with the Friends of Clatto community group, who agreed to take the project forward into the next stage of development. In addition to the formal engagement, members of the Friends of Clatto group have also conducted informal conversations with families using the park. Many of these families expressed a wish for more inclusive and age-appropriate equipment, particularly for younger children and children with additional support needs. This combined evidence from structured consultation and grassroots feedback clearly demonstrates community support and a locally identified need for enhanced, inclusive play equipment at Clatto Park.

In addition to encouraging healthy lifestyles and physical activity, the outdoor area will foster creativity, social interaction, and a sense of belonging. It will also serve as a vital community hub, strengthening ties among families and contributing to overall community well-being.

Local Priority: - Enhanced community facilities.

We are looking to Build a Path to elevate Parking issues in Dryburgh to connect an old entrance to Liff road.

We think this is project will have a real positive impact in Drybrugh for the residents, parking has been a real issue for a number of years and this would eleviate the issue.

To address the local priority: Improve safety, accessibility and equipment in outdoor recreation spaces for families and young people

The grant would be used to upgrade Hilltown Park Play Equipment. This includes replacing the current, damaged equipment with newer, more modern equipment, resurfacing the current surfaces and installing a fence with a gate to keep the equipment safe from dogs and make the space safer for children who may be inclined to run away. By installing these, the park will be more accessible for families and young people living in an area of the 10% most deprived in Scotland. Hilltown Park has been a community loved gem since it's installation and is cherished by local children and families. Sadly, the equipment is old and worn and the surfacing has become aged and rotten. The park is also well used by dog walkers, and often dogs cause damage to the play equipment when they are playing. Local people explained that upgrading this park would make a huge difference to the facilities in the area. Maxwell Centre regularly uses the park with their youth groups and have been campaigning for this upgrade and designing ideas for this.

Maxwell Centre and CLD Youth Groups have attended Local Community Planning Partnership to raise this issue on behalf of their peers. Our Lady's Additional Support Base Staff have consulted with parents on the suitability of the space in the park and agreed that better equipment and a fence would make the park far more accessible.

The grant will replace the multiplay unit and slide with a more modern newer one, add a new basket swing, include some new sensory play equipment and resurface the park.  It will also install a fence around the play area and gym equipment to protect the play area from dogs and make it safer for free play for children.  The final designs will be agreed by the young people in the community and the families of children who use or would like to use the park in future.  In addition to this the current equipment that will be kept can be relocated or altered to the spec of the young people and families using the park.

The outdoor space at the Finmill Centre needs updates to improve safety, especially for children and those with mobility issues. To make the area safe, welcoming, and accessible, it needs seating, sensory equipment, planting, safe play equipment, fencing, and new surfaces. Currently, the tarmac surface with small stones is unsafe for children, toddlers, and people with mobility issues. Although there is a ramp, it leads to rough surfacing, which is unsuitable. The area lacks welcoming spaces for the community to sit, chat, or play. The Finmill cafes exist, but outdoor areas with safe seating are inaccessible for people. The local priority indicates a desire for such amenities. Children's groups could use the space for outdoor play, enhancing learning in nature. This enclosed play area would offer safe spaces for all children, including those with additional needs. Families can spend time together outdoors without safety concerns. Adults can enjoy the café and outdoor seating, improving mental health and wellbeing. The outdoor space will encourage community interaction and connections. These improvements align with local priorities and promote greater community engagement.

A local community survey revealed a desire for a safe and welcoming outdoor space at the Finmill Centre, suitable for families. The local playgroup and youth and family groups reported safety concerns, indicating the urgent need for improvements. The playgroup has deemed the current surfacing unsuitable for young children to play on, or use bikes, scooters, or prams. Children with ASN would benefit from a sensory area with equipment that aids their development. The family group which supports parents with children with additional support in many areas, have expressed they would like a nature-connected area with a sensory garden and safe play zones. Such an environment is crucial for children's development, fostering expression and creativity. The survey indicated that a safe, welcoming outdoor space would enhance community engagement and encourage its use.

The outdoor area should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone to use, from young children to adults. It should be a space to be creative, encourage curiosity particularly amongst children and promote wellbeing. A sensory space for all to use and enjoy, building positive relationships across the ages and throughout the community.

Funds would be used to pay for mud kitchen, play panel, balance block, seating, picnic table accessible, picnic table recycled plastic, sensory mirror leaves, sensory flower mirrors, sensory planting, Buddy bench, resurfacing, bins 

Ormiston Play Park is centrally located in the heart of Whitfield, surrounded by the streets of Lufness, Craigievar, Pitcaple, Dunrobin, and Cardoness Walk. Positioned within a social housing development predominantly occupied by families, the park is a vital community asset, offering a safe and accessible space for children, young people, and families to play, gather, and enjoy the outdoors. Despite its popularity, the park’s equipment is outdated and in urgent need of refurbishment. Through recent community engagement and consultation, residents have clearly expressed the need for improvements. Key priorities identified include the installation of equipment suitable for pre-school children, the addition of inclusive and accessible play features, picnic benches to encourage family use of the green space, and repairs to existing well-loved equipment.

The redevelopment will not only improve physical infrastructure but also foster stronger community connections, promote outdoor activity, and support early years development. The inclusion of picnic areas and improved signage will further encourage families to spend time in the park, strengthening social ties and promoting well-being.

This project directly supports local priorities by addressing the significant levels of child poverty in the North East of Dundee, where 36% of children live in poverty, higher than the city average of 31% (SIMD 2020). By enhancing the quality and inclusivity of Ormiston Play Park, we aim to provide a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment for children of all ages and abilities, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We have linked with Stakeholders such as Primary Schools, Parent Councils, Tenants Community Empowerment Team, Early Years Educators, to ensure there is no duplication of work and to ensure we are enhancing current assets. Angus Housing Association, a registered charity and the landowner, is committed to supporting this initiative. However, due to financial constraints, we are unable to fully fund the redevelopment independently. We are therefore seeking external funding to bring this community-led vision to life. This project represents a meaningful investment in children, families, and the wider community, creating a more inclusive, engaging, and vibrant public space for all. The association has undergone extensive outreach through a Microsoft Forms questionnaire to gather feedback regarding what equipment and improvements should be made. This included targeted door knocking in the surrounding areas of the play park. We also attended the North East Campus during school finish times to facilitate more engagement and feedback. Additionally, this was sent out on our social media platforms and distributed through emails and text messages to tenants and the wider community for completion. On Monday, May 2nd, which was a school in-service day, we aimed to maximize feedback and engagement while schools were closed. We held a picnic in the park event from 11 AM to 1 PM as another way to engage with individuals. Here, we invited children and families to complete the questionnaire and assist with designing a sign and notice boards for the park, which was successful.

Investing in our proposed play park will not only enhance the community’s recreational offerings but also provide a safe and engaging environment for children and families to thrive. By fostering physical activity, social interactions, and imaginative play, we are nurturing the well-being of our youth and building stronger community bonds. We believe that with your support, we can create a vibrant space that will be cherished for generations to come. Together, let’s make a lasting impact on our community by turning this vision into reality.