Talented Seafield Primary School pupil Kari Blyth (9) wins £500 of equipment for her school in the Council's Cooper Park design competition
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AN ELGIN pupil has won a competition by designing her ideal version of Cooper Park.
Kari Blyth (9) topped the Moray Council contest, which asked pupils across the county for their detailed plans how to improve the park.
For her efforts, Seafield Primary School will receive £500 to buy new playground equipment.
Head teacher Morven Snodgrass was thrilled by Kari's efforts and gave her a special head teacher award.
She said: "Kari has really gone for it in terms of the dream idea for the Park Plan and she definitely impressed the judges.
"I went to tell her class last week, when I went to deliver her head teacher award and read her the email from the Council.
"I said: 'You wouldn't believe the email I have got today. The class can now be involved in choosing £500 of play equipment for the playground!
"The class was very excited.
"So she is a very popular girl."
Kari's design, featuring a train track running throughout the whole park, trampolines and even a small wildlife park wowed the judges with its ambition.
The design will also help to inform the Council about future improvements to the park.
Mrs Snodgrass is now considering what to do with the play equipment.
She said: "I think what we will do is use it for the upper stages, where Kari is situated, and we will rota the equipment so each year group can use it."
"So it is fair."
Other great entries from Findochty and New Elgin schools also made waves, with runners up netting these schools £250 for their own equipment.
But of all, entries, Mrs Snodgrass believes Kari made a special effort.
She said: "I think it is amazing.
"I think her perseverance to complete her design and to actually submit it, to have the vision for this fabulous and inspiring idea is wonderful.
"She has done incredibly well, particularly given that everybody has been so challenged with lockdowns and the Covid situation.
"It shows real perseverance on Kari's part, and real creativity as well.
"And also, credit to her mum and dad for giving her that push, and for helping get this completed and sent in."
