Case Studies
Enhancing Community Outdoor Spaces in Kilbirnie
In 2024, Timberplay Scotland played a key role in delivering a natural playground at Lochshore Park in Kilbirnie, North Ayrshire. As part of a wider community regeneration project, this play space was designed to enrich outdoor life for families and children, encouraging physical activity, socialisation, and a deeper connection with nature.
The new playground sits adjacent to the Garnock Visitor and Community Hub, a centre designed to support local engagement and recreation. With its scenic location overlooking the former Lochshore industrial site, the transformation of this space into a welcoming green destination has been a significant milestone for the area.
A Thoughtfully Designed Play Space
Working alongside North Ayrshire Council and Hirst Landscape Architects, Timberplay Scotland provided a playground that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural landscape. Built primarily from robust, sustainable timber, the play equipment encourages imaginative and active play while blending harmoniously with the environment.
Key features of the playground include:
- Challenging Climbing Elements – Designed to help children develop balance, coordination, and confidence through risk-based play.
- Swings and Slides – Offering sensory stimulation and movement-based play that supports physical development.
- Natural Play Features – Logs, timber structures, and earth mounds that allow children to explore and create their own play experiences.
The carefully considered layout and material choice ensure that the play space remains engaging for children of different ages while being durable and low-maintenance for long-term community use.
Community Benefits and Impact
Since its opening, the Lochshore Park playground has quickly become a popular destination for families in Kilbirnie and the wider North Ayrshire region. It provides a valuable outdoor recreation option, offering local children a space to socialise, be active, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.
The project aligns with wider efforts to improve public outdoor spaces in Scotland, promoting accessible and inclusive play environments that contribute to community well-being. By providing opportunities for physical movement and free play, the playground supports children's health, development, and social skills while giving families another day-out option close to home.
Collaboration for Lasting Change
The success of this project highlights the impact of collaborative partnerships in creating high-quality play environments. Timberplay Scotland worked closely with North Ayrshire Council and landscape architects to deliver a play space that is not only functional and engaging but also sympathetic to its surroundings.
By prioritising play value, sustainability, and thoughtful design, Timberplay Scotland continues to set the standard for natural playgrounds across Scotland, ensuring that communities like Kilbirnie have access to enriching and enduring outdoor play experiences.
